Twins prepare for separation procedure

The family of conjoined twins Hassan and Hussein Benhaffaf have confirmed that the operation to seperate them is planned for later this week.

The family of conjoined twins Hassan and Hussein Benhaffaf have confirmed that the operation to separate them is planned for later this week.

The 14-week old boys from Cork - dubbed the "Little Fighters" - will undergo the complicated procedure at Great Ormond Street Children's hospital in London.

Hassan and Hussein's family have requested prayers and support as the pair prepares for the operation.

The family have been in London for the past fortnight, undergoing tests and preparing for the 20-hour procedure, which will be carried out by Cork-born specialist surgeon, Edward Kiely.

The twins are due to go into hospital today, having spent the weekend with their parents and sisters in London.

Tens of thousands of euro have already been raised through events across Ireland to help support the Benhaffaf family.

Their mother Angie said they have been overwhelmed by the genuinely supportive response of so many people since the boys were born.