Sad news today as it has been announced that legendary Irish singer Shane MacGowan has died.

The Pogues frontman had been unwell for some time having been diagnosed with viral encephalitis  - an inflammation of the brain caused by a virus - last year and was in intensive care in recent months.

His wife Victoria Mary Clarke had only posted recently online that the singer was out of hospital and home for Christmas.

In a statement shared on social media, The Pogues, who are best known for their hit festive song 'Fairytale of New York' wrote: "It is with the deepest of sorrow and heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of Shane MacGowan.

"Shane died peacefully at 3am this morning with his wife Victoria and family by his side."

MacGowan's wife Victoria wrote on Instagram: "There's no way to describe the loss that I am feeling and the longing for just one more of his smiles that lit up my world.

"Thank you thank you thank you thank you for your presence in this world you made it so very bright and you gave so much joy to so many people with your heart and soul and your music.

"You will live in my heart forever. Rave on in the garden all wet with rain that you loved so much."