TWO hitmen have been sent to prison for life for gunning down a man linked to the £26 million Brinks Mat heist in 1983.

John O'Flynn, 53, and Terrence Conaghan, 54, shot dead 63-year-old George Francis, who had a home in Beckenham, in the early hours of May 14, 2003.

His business associate, Harry 'Big H' Richardson from Orpington, was cleared of ordering the "hit".

Jailing O'Flynn and Conaghan for a minimum of 20 years at the Old Bailey, Judge Martin Stephens QC, said: "I am quite satisfied you are both ruthless, determined criminals intent on the use of extreme violence as and when required."

The jury convicted the ageing hitmen of pumping four bullets into the victim's face, back, arm and hand but rejected the allegation that Mr Richardson had ordered the killing over an unpaid debt.

Another theory for the murder put forward in court was that Francis had taken some of the gold loot from the infamous 1983 robbery .

Police were told that Mr Richardson had called Francis to a private meeting on the morning of the shooting.

The purpose of the meeting remains unknown. However, it was of such importance that Francis arranged for none of his staff to be present until later that morning.

DNA evidence was recovered from the murder scene that identified Conaghan and O'Flynn.

Det Supt Stuart Cundy, who led the arduous investigation, said after the verdict that he believed someone had ordered the killing.

He said: "It has taken over four years to bring those responsible for the murder of George Francis to justice. During that time, none of those responsible for his murder has admitted his part in this clinical execution. It was a callous act on George who believed he was attending a meeting, but in fact had been lured to his death. All have endeavoured to thwart police enquiries at every turn."

He added: "I pay tribute to George's family, especially his wife, for their patience, faith and belief in the police over the last four years. I hope today's convictions go some way to pay tribute to their memories of George. I still believe others are involved and bear some responsibility for contracting George's murder. I appeal to anyone for information that would lead to their arrest and conviction to contact the police."

Anyone with any information should call 020 8721 4005 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.