Great Train robber Ronnie Biggs vowed last night to return to Britain from exile in Brazil "at the earliest opportunity" after spending more than 35 years on the run.

In his first public statement since sending an e-mail to Scotland Yard proposing his 6,000-mile journey home, Biggs said he was preparing to hand himself over to the authorities.

His imminent return has sparked a row over what should happen to the ailing 71-year-old if and when he arrives back in the country.

Shadow Home Secretary Ann Widdecombe called for a "hard-headed" attitude towards the legendary crook, saying he should spend the rest of his life behind bars.

But Biggs's friends said that the authorities should treat him with compassion as he was in poor health following his third stroke and was now unable to speak.

Marilyn Wisbey, daughter of fellow train robber Tommy, said she believed that the majority of the country would be in favour of allowing Biggs his freedom.

And drinkers in Margate - where Biggs has said he wishes to "enjoy a pint of bitter like a true Englishman" - said they would be queuing up to buy him a drink.

News of the probable return came after Biggs sent an e-mail to Detective Chief Superintendent John Coles, of the Flying Squad at Scotland Yard.

It read: "I would like to give myself up to you. What I need is passport documentation to travel back to Britain.

"I'm prepared to be arrested at the gate when I arrive at Heathrow Airport to submit myself to the due process of the law."

Biggs still has 28 years to serve of a 30-year sentence for his part in the 1963 robbery. He is hoping, because of his health, that he will be put in a jail hospital while the authorities decide what to do with him.

Miss Widdecombe said: "He may have had three strokes but we also have to be hard-headed. . . the rule of law must be upheld."

Home Secretary Jack Straw said: "Any individual who is unlawfully at large from prison is liable to immediate rearrest and return to prison as soon as it comes to the notice of the police."

Biggs had served only 15 months of his sentence for his part in the £2,600,000 robbery when he escaped from Wandsworth prison.

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