Tragedy as legendary singer dies ​

The Pogues star Shane MacGowan has died at the age of 65 after losing an eight-year health battle.

The Fairytale of New York singer, who had been diagnosed with viral encephalitis – a serious condition which leads to brain swelling - passed away today.

Shane’s wife Victoria shared a heartbreaking statement announcing the star’s death.

She shared a throwback black and white snap of her beloved husband and shared her shock at the loss of “the love of my life”.

“I don’t know how to say this so I am just going to say it. Shane, who will always be the light that I hold before me and the measure of my dreams and the love️ of my life and the most beautiful soul and beautiful angel and the sun and the moon and the start and end of everything that I hold dear, has gone to be with Jesus and Mary and his beautiful mother Therese,” she said.

“I am blessed beyond words to have met him and to have loved him and to have been so endlessly and unconditionally loved by him and to have had so many years of life and love and joy and fun and laughter and so many adventures.

“There’s no way to describe the loss that I am feeling and the longing for just one more of his smiles that lit up my world. Thank you thank you thank you thank you for your presence in this world you made it so very bright and you gave so much joy to so many people with your heart and soul and your music.

“You will live in my heart forever. Rave on in the garden all wet with rain that you loved so much. You meant the world to me.”

More to follow.