Peter Tork, singer and bass guitarist with The Monkees, has died aged 77. The actor and musician was best known as the keyboardist and bassist in the popular TV pop-group, which achieved widespread fame in the 1960s.

Tork's death was confirmed on the official Facebook account of the US TV star, who was born in Washington DC in 1942.

The member of the band has been hailed as an "amazing soul" by those close to him.

A post on the musician's official Facebook page said: "It is with beyond-heavy and broken hearts that we share the devastating news that our friend, mentor, teacher, and amazing soul, Peter Tork, has passed from this world.

"We ask for your kindness and understanding in allowing us to grieve this huge loss privately.