The Pogues singer Shane MacGowan dies aged 65 _ BBC News

The Pogues frontman Shane MacGowan has died aged 65, after a lengthy illness.

The singer-songwriter’s hits include Christmas classic Fairytale of New York, and A Pair of Brown Eyes.

He fronted the Irish punk band until their break-up in 2014.

A statement from MacGowan's spokesperson confirmed he "died peacefully at 3.30am this morning (30 November) with his wife and sister by his side".

MacGowan had recently been hospitalised after being diagnosed with encephalitis, and also had well-documented problems with drugs and alcohol.