Newspaper columnist and broadcaster Rod Liddle dies aged 66

Newspaper columnist and broadcaster Rod Liddle has died aged 66 after a short illness.

Liddle's children paid tribute to their father, who they described as their guide "on how to live an extraordinary life", while CEO of News UK, Rebekah Brooks, described him as "an inimitable journalistic force."

Brooks added that "he challenged conventional thinking and left an indelible mark on British journalism."

Liddle, a columnist for the Sun and the Sunday Times, died at The James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough on Sunday evening.

He was a columnist on the Sunday Times and the Sun, and had a weekly column in the Spectator, as well as a show on Times Radio.

His children, Wilder, Tyler and Emmy, added: "We're all very saddened and shocked at the sudden passing of our wonderful father.

"He raised us much as you might imagine, to be inquisitive, brave and always humorous.

"Even in hospital in the last few weeks, he consistently held the room and never let the awful situation show.

"He has left a legacy that we are all incredibly proud of, he will always be our guide on how to live an extraordinary life."