Rose West is reportedly going blind and has threatened to kill herself if she loses her sight

Serial killer Rose West is losing her sight and has threatened to kill herself if she goes blind, it has been reported.

West, who will spend the rest of her life behind bars after being convicted of 10 murders, was diagnosed with irreversible glaucoma in July.

The 64-year-old is said to be devastated at the thought of losing her sight and with it her cushy life at HMP Low Newton in County Durham.

A source told the Sunday Mirror: 'It's already affected her sight. She's wearing her specs all the time. She's told people she'll kill herself if she ends up blind. But apart from her vision, she's fit as an ox.'

In 1995 West was convicted of the 'depraved' murders of 10 young women and girls mostly at 25 Cromwell Street, Gloucester, the terrace house she shared with her husband Fred.

Last month it was claimed she was suffering from a mystery illness that could prove fatal.

West, who along with husband Fred murdered young women and girls at 25 Cromwell Street, was diagnosed with irreversible glaucoma in July

But it is understood the claims were 'completely untrue' and West is still fit and healthy.

She is said to enjoy a 'middle class' lifestyle behind the bars, with her own en-suite cell, complete with curtains at the window, a 'fluffy rug' on the floor and a coffee machine, TV and radio.

A prison source said West had not worn her trademark glasses for years before her vision deteriorated but she is now regularly seen with them on as she walked around Low Newton's high-security F Wing flanked by prison guards.

Due to the risk of her being attacked by other prisoners, West has to be accompanied by guards at all times.

West is locked up at HMP Low Newton in County Durham and is understood to lead a 'middle class' lifestyle

She is believed to have tortured her victims with builder husband Fred, who killed himself in prison before he could face trial.

Many of the victims were sexually abused and eventually buried at the family home.

West is only the second woman in British criminal history to be told she will spend the rest of her life in prison.

The first was moors murderer Myra Hindley, who died in 2002.