Stephen Hawking's ex-wife, Jane Hawking, who was married to the physicist for 30 years, has said she is "deeply saddened by the news of the death".

She added: "I am glad to be able to say that he died peacefully in the comfort of his own home.

"The peace that he has found is well-earned after such an extraordinary and courageous life, but we shall feel his loss keenly for a long time."