Star Wars actress Carrie Fisher dies, aged 60

Carrie Fisher, the actress best known for playing Princess Leia in Star Wars, has died days after suffering a heart attack. She was 60 years of age.

Simon Halls, a family spokesman, released a statement on behalf of Fisher's daughter, Billie Lourd. 'It is with a very deep sadness that Billie Lourd confirms that her beloved mother Carrie Fisher passed away at 8.55 this morning,' the statement reads, as reported by People.

'She was loved by the world and she will be missed profoundly. Our entire family thanks you for your thoughts and prayers.'

Fisher went into cardiac arrest on December 23 shortly before the flight she was travelling on from London to Los Angeles was scheduled to land.

After the flight had landed she was taken to hospital where she was treated for a heart attack.