Robin Williams' three children - Zak, 31, Zelda, 25, and Cody, 25 - have released moving statements in tribute to their "kind and gentle" dad, as well as thanking fans for their support.

Zelda, who has since left twitter due to trolls, posted the following

In her tumblr post she said: 'My family has always been private about our time spent together. It was our way of keeping one thing that was ours, with a man we shared with an entire world. But now that's gone, and I feel stripped bare. My last day with him was his birthday, and I will be forever grateful that my brothers and I got to spend that time alone with him, sharing gifts and laughter. He was always warm, even in his darkest moments... While I'll never, ever understand how he could be loved so deeply and not find it in his heart to stay, there's minor comfort in knowing our grief and loss, in some small way, is shared with millions. It doesn't help the pain, but at least it's a burden countless others now know we carry, and so many have offered to help lighten the load. Thank you for that. To those he touched who are sending kind words, know that one of his favourite things in the world was to make you all laugh. As for those who are sending negativity, know that some small, giggling part of him is sending a flock of pigeons to your house to poop on your car. Right after you've had it washed. After all, he loved to laugh too.'

Paying tribute to his "best friend", Zak said: "Yesterday, I lost my father and a best friend and the world got a little grayer. I will carry his heart with me every day. I would ask those that loved him to remember him by being as gentle, kind and generous as he would be. Seek to bring joy to the world as he sought."

Cody vowed to carry his father's memory with him at all times until they reunite some day.

He said: "There are no words strong enough to describe the love and respect I have for my father. The world will never be the same without him. I will miss him and take him with me everywhere I go for the rest of my life, and will look forward, forever, to the moment when I get to see him again."

Marsha Garces, Robin's second wife and Zelda and Cody's mother has also issued a statement, in which she said her heart had been "split wide open" and urged fans to remember the "gentle, loving, generous, brilliant and funny" star.

Details emerge regarding the death of Robin Williams, who was found at his home yesterday