Letters from two notorious murderers have sold at auction for £600.

The writings by London gangster Reggie Kray and US cult leader Charles Manson sold for £200 and £400 respectively when they went under the hammer at McTear's Auctioneers in Glasgow yesterday.

The items were put up for sale by "murderabilia" collector and crime author Steven F Scouller, who believes the study of such material can give an insight into the criminal mind.

The letter from Kray, who terrorised the east end of London with his twin Ronnie in the 1950s and 60s, is a 20-page diary of ideas and orders for "Kray Firm"gang members to carry out. It is signed off with "Take care, God bless, affection, yours Reg".

Charles Manson, now 77, remains in Corcoran State Prison in California. He was jailed in 1969 after he orchestrated a series of gruesome murders in Los Angeles.

McTear's said his letter was "incoherent" but seems to discuss his relationship with other cult members.

Mr Scouller said the letters "should be preserved so future generations can study them to help understand the terrible decisions these criminals made".