Comedian Rik Mayall died suddenly today in his home in Barnes, aged 56.

Police said they were called to reports of a death at 1.19pm today.

He was pronounced dead at the scene but the death is not being treated as suspicious.

His hit comedies included the Young Ones, Bottom, Blackadder and the New Statesman.

The actor, who was married with three children, was left seriously ill after a quad bike accident in 1998 which that saw him in a coma for several days.

Tributes to the comedian poured in on Twitter.

David Walliams wrote: “I am heartbroken that my comedy idol growing up Rik Mayall has died. He made me want to be a comedian.”

Edgar Wright wrote: “Shocked & saddened that a comedy hero is gone; for those who grew up on 'The Young Ones', Rik Mayall was one of funniest performers ever.”