Law and Order star dies

Jerry Orbach, star of the US TV series Law & Order, has died of prostate cancer aged 69.

He died in New York after several weeks of treatment, said his publicist, Audrey Davis.

When his illness was diagnosed, he had begun production of a spin-off series - Law & Order: Trial By Jury – after 12 seasons playing Detective Lennie Briscoe in the original series.

On Broadway, the Bronx-born Orbach starred in hit musicals including Chicago and 42nd Street.

Among his film appearances were roles in Dirty Dancing, Prince of the City and Crimes and Misdemeanours.