Rock icon Tom Petty has died at the age of 66 following a heart attack.

There had been some confusion over Petty's condition last night when the news broke, with media outlets around the world reporting that he had passed away after being taken off life support - but the LAPD later apologised for 'inadvertently' confirming his death without the authority or knowledge to do so.

However, Petty's death at 3.40am GMT was confirmed in a statement from his family via his manager earlier this morning.

Throughout his life and career, Petty was regarded as one of the most iconic rock artists of all time, both with his band The Heartbreakers, his solo material and as a member of supergroup The Traveling Wilburies.

Fans and celebrities have been paying tribute to him on social media, which you can read below.

RIP.

 

Meanwhile, his Traveling Wilburies bandmate Bob Dylan told Rolling Stone: "It’s shocking, crushing news. I thought the world of Tom. He was great performer, full of the light, a friend, and I’ll never forget him.”