Morse actor John Thaw dies

Actor John Thaw, star of Inspector Morse and The Sweeney, has died aged 60, his family said.

He had been battling cancer of the oesophagus and died at his home in Wiltshire.

His wife, actress Sheila Hancock, said: "John died with his family around him."

The star announced on June 19 last year that he was undergoing treatment for the disease but vowed to get back on screen as soon as he could.

In a statement released through family friend Marshall Stewart, Ms Hancock said her husband died yesterday afternoon.

She said: "We have all been so grateful for the thousands of letters and messages from people wishing him well.

"Everyone including the media have been wonderful during this difficult period and I would like them all to know how much their support and understanding has meant to him and to all of us."

John Thaw - who picked up a Bafta fellowship last summer - saw Ms Hancock fight back from breast cancer herself 13 years ago.

One of the first to pay tribute to Thaw was ITV's director of channels, David Liddiment, who said: "Throughout his distinguished career John understood the power of the small screen. He was the consummate television actor and caught the imagination of millions of viewers.

"He will be sorely missed. Our thoughts are with Sheila and his family."

Through his career he appeared in a string of popular dramas such as Kavanagh QC and the Sweeney.