David Bowie dies: British rock legend dead aged 69 after 18-month battle with cancer

British rock star David Bowie has died after an 18-month battle with cancer, the singer's son confirmed on 11 January.

Statements were posted on the musician's official Facebook and Twitter accounts saying he died on 10 January. "David Bowie died peacefully today surrounded by his family after a courageous 18-month battle with cancer. While many of you will share in this loss, we ask that you respect the family's privacy during their time of grief."

Steve Martin, a representative from Bowie's publicity company Nasty Little Man, confirmed to Reuters that the Facebook report was not a hoax.

The star's son, Duncan Jones, wrote on Twitter: "Very sorry and sad to say it's true. I'll be offline for a while. Love to all."

Bowie celebrated his 69th birthday on 8 January with the release of his 25th album, Blackstar. He was not known to be suffering from ill health.