The first picture of seven-week-old conjoined twins to undergo surgery

This is the first picture of seven-week-old conjoined twins Hassan and Hussein Benhaffaf.

The boys, who were born at London University College Hospital, are feeding well and gaining weight ahead of surgery to try to separate them later this year.

Parents Angie and Azzedine, who describe their sons as 'little fighters', took them home from hospital for the first time last night.

 'In God's hands': Hassan, left, and Hussein Benhaffaf face surgery later this year

The delighted couple, along with daughters Malika and Iman, thanked 'the wonderful people who cared for us and the boys', as well as their family and friends for their 'ongoing support'.

Mrs Benhaffaf, from east Cork in southern Ireland, explained how the family's world was 'turned upside down' when they realised the babies in her womb were conjoined.

'I suppose I went through the pregnancy thinking that it was awful, and why did this happen to us?' she said.

'But the first day I held the two boys in my arms I knew I was chosen. They were
a gift. We do feel blessed by them. It was never expected that they would live or do as well as they probably have been doing so hence their name, "the little fighters".
 
'Before the babies were born, they were holding hands and were helping each other - they always mind one another.

'When they're awake, they're up to mischief. They will be boxing each other one minute and holding hands the next.'

She described them as 'like any other baby', adding the boys have always been seen as individuals. Hospital staff 'treated them as two little boys with separate personalities'.

'That's why I dress them separately - to show that they are individuals and it's
our hope and wishes that after separation that they will continue to be separate individuals that will live long healthy lives,' she added.