Singer Amy Winehouse, 27, has been found dead at her north London home.
A Metropolitan Police spokesman confirmed that a 27-year-old woman had died in Camden and that the cause of death was as yet unexplained.
London Ambulance Service said it had been called to the flat at 1554 BST and sent two vehicles but the woman died.
The troubled singer had a long battle with drink and drugs which overshadowed her recent musical career. She pulled out of a comeback tour last month.
Winehouse cancelled the European tour after being jeered at her first gig in Serbia, when she appeared too drunk to perform.
For 90 minutes, she mumbled through parts of songs and at times left the stage – leaving her band to fill in.
She had recently finished a course of alcohol rehabilitation in London and was under strict instructions not to drink.
Winehouse had won widespread acclaim, aged 20, with her 2003 debut album, Frank.
But it was 2006’s Back to Black which brought her worldwide stardom, winning five Grammy Awards.
Rumours of Winehouse’s death began circulating on Twitter today. Among those to comment was former prime minister’s wife Sarah Brown.
“Sad sad news of Amy Winehouse – great talent, extraordinary voice, and tragic death, condolences to her family,” she tweeted.
Singer and actress Kelly Osbourne posted: “i cant even breathe right now im crying so hard i just lost 1 of my best friends. i love you forever Amy & will never forget the real you!”
Singer and presenter Myleene Klass tweeted: “OMG. Amy Winehouse. Exceptional talent and really nice lady. RIP.”
BBC Radio 1 DJ Fearne Cotton wrote: “Can not believe the news. Amy was a special girl. The saddest news.”
Daily Telegraph rock critic Neil McCormick said he was “utterly shocked” at her death. (BBC)
