The self styled "generals" and founders of Croydon's most notorious gang are awaiting deportation in a immigration detention facility.

Twin brothers, Mikey Giwa, 21 and his brother Joland, were jailed in 2008 and 2009 after a string of convictions dating back five years.

Joland Giwa is refusing to eat anything in protest to his imminent departure after being told he and his brother are heading back to their homeland of Sierra Leone.

As the founding members of the Don't Say Nothing gang, the pair were in charge of the so called "fam".

The brothers, who arrived from the once war-torn African country, gloated while in prison they would be back on the streets of Croydon "touching road real soon".

A police source said: "These two thought they could get away with anything.

"They were part of a massive crime wave across Croydon for a long time.

"I'd love to see what happens if they try that back in Sierra Leone."

It is believed their parents were killed when they were infants which is why they were brought to the UK.

Both brothers bear tribal facial scars from the 1991 civil war which killed more almost 50,000 people.

Their convictions, dating back to 2004 include indecent assault on a girl under 16, handling stolen goods, robbery, affray, possession of cannabis and theft.

Detective Inspector Ian Anderson said: "Joland and Mikey Giwa were targeted because of the high level of crimes they were committing in Croydon.

"They were looked into for immigration offences after being convicted and serving lengthily jail sentences.

"These individuals were leading gang members and are now facing deportation as a result of their crimes.

"Croydon gang members will be targeted by the new, enhanced gang-unit in anyway possible for even the most minor infractions of the law.

"We will not tolerate gang members using the town centre and the borough to commit their crimes and frighten innocent residents and visitors to Croydon."