The creator of the much-loved Stars Wars droid R2-D2 has been found dead at his home in Malta.

Tony Dyson, 68, had not been seen for a number of days by his friends, who contacted the police out of concern for his well-being.

His body was discovered by police officers in his apartment on the island of Gozo. There is no suspicion of foul play.

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Mr Dyson pictured working on one of the first R2-D2 robots for Star Wars

Tony Dyson, pictured at one of many conventions he attended in later years, had not been seen for days

Police confirmed a 68-year-old British man was found dead in Gozo at 7:35am in his apartment.

Mr Dyson was best known for being the designer behind the blue and white droid R2-D2 as well as his work in several other popular Hollywood films, including Superman 2 and Moonraker.

Known for his great sense of humour, Mr Dyson had been living in Malta since the 1990s and had appeared at the island's own comic convention.

One of the convention organisers, Christopher Muscat, spoke warmly of Mr Dyson, describing him as 'one of the friendliest guests we've ever had.'

'When we actually met we were all surprised by his energy. Joking and smiling to all. He insisted on taking photos with everyone,' he told Malta Today.

The robot - pictured with his on-screen companion C3-PO - would go on to become one of sci-fi's most popular creations and has appeared in all seven Star Wars movies to date

Known for his great sense of humour, Mr Dyson had been living in Malta since the 1990s and had appeared at the island's own comic convention

The Emmy-nominated film SFX supervisor's greatest creation, R2-D2, has appeared in all of the Star Wars films and is considered one of the series's finest characters

The Emmy-nominated film SFX supervisor's greatest creation, R2-D2, has appeared in all of the Star Wars films and is considered one of the series's finest characters.

A man who always took time to sign autographs and answer questions, Mr Dyson was also quick to encourage other people to get creative.

'Be playful. Never stop playing. If you look at life the way it really should be – enjoyed – then you become very creative,' he told the Times of Malta last December.

Mr Dyson also worked with Sony, Toshiba and other well-known electronics firms.

One of the convention organiser's, Christopher Muscat, spoke warmly of Mr Dyson, (pictured) describing him as 'one of the friendliest guests we've ever had'

Mr Dyson also worked with Sony, Toshiba and other well-known electronics firms

The Emmy-nominated film SFX supervisor's greatest creation, R2-D2, has appeared in all of the Star Wars films and is considered one of the series's finest characters