Irish actor Pat Laffan, who was best known for his role as milkman Pat Mustard in Father Ted, has died.

The show's creator broke the news on Twitter , telling his followers: "Just heard the sad news that Pat Laffan who played Pat Mustard in Father Ted has died. Rest in peace, Pat, a pleasure to work with you".

The news was confirmed in a statement by Mr Laffan's agent Lisa Richards.

"It is with tremendous sadness that we here at the Lisa Richards Agency can confirm Pat Laffan's passing today.

"While Pat is perhaps still best remembered by Irish screen audiences for his portrayal of Mr Burgess in Roddy Doyle's film The Snapper (1993) and as Pat Mustard the notorious milk man in Father Ted (Channel 4, 1998), he had almost 40 film credits and 30 television credits to his name," the statement continued.

No cause of death was given.

In recent years Laffan, 79, appeared in Ripper Street and Moone Boy and played a small role in the Steven Spielberg movie War Horse.

As a member of the Abbey Theatre Company, Laffan was noted for his performances in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest for Noel Pearson at the Gaiety Theatre and Chekhov’s Three Sisters at the Gate.

(Image: PA)

Following the tragic news of Mr Lffans death, fans flocked to Twitter to pay tribute to the actor.

"RIP Pat Laffan. Only knew him through Pat Mustard but what a legendary performance," said one.

" Pat Mustard was undoubtedly one of the best characters in Father Ted, and his comedy will live on for a long, long time," said another.

The official Abbey Theatre account shared: "Very sad to hear that Pat Laffan has passed away. His career at the Abbey started in 1961 and spanned five decades. He will be sorely missed. He is pictured (centre) in one of his earliest appearances here in The Enemy Within in 1962."