Comedian Rik Mayall dies aged 56, according to his manager

Rik Mayall, famous for his roles in the Young Ones, the New Statesman and Bottom, has died, according to his manager.

Mr Mayall, also famous for his comedy partnership with Ade Edmonson, died this morning. The cause of death is unknown.

He rose to fame in the 1980s with Edmonson at the Comedy Store before later appearing in Channel 4's "The Comic Strip Presents".

Mr Mayall starred in the popular TV show Bottom and later took roles in The New Statesman and Blackadder.

In 1998 he was left seriously ill following a quad bike accident.

A statement from Mr Mayall's management team, Brunskill, read: "We are deeply saddened to announce the death of Rik Mayall who passed away this morning.

"We will be issuing a further statement in the fullness of time."