Piccadilly Rats frontman Ray Boddington has died in hospital aged 77, his family have confirmed.

The Manchester icon was tragically hit by a tram on High Street in the city centre near the Arndale on Wednesday night.

It is believed Ray had been on his way home after performing at The Millstone pub in the Northern Quarter when he was struck by a Metrolink tram at around 7.30pm.

He had been hooked up to a life-support machine at Salford Royal Hospital while his family have been keeping vigil by his bedside over the weekend.

Ray's family announced last week on Facebook that his breathing-support had been withdrawn. Now they have confirmed that he has died in hospital.

Ray's devastated son Daniel Boddington told the MEN: "All of his family were there, at his bed. My dad would have wanted everybody in Manchester to know that he loved them all.

"I feel like my heart is shattered. I can't describe the way it feels."

Daniel said that his father was still wearing his trademark sunglasses even as he passed away.

(Image: Daniel Boddington)

Messages of support for Ray, of Salford, and the Piccadilly Rats have been pouring in since the tragic news of the accident broke last week.

Georgia Azam wrote on Facebook: "Much love ray you are a true legacy you have torched the life's an soles of many people you stay strong."

Lee Ferguson said: "Love to all Rays family right now. Wishing them all the strength in the world. Ray you are legend in Manchester."

Musician Ray, a retired hairdresser, has previously appeared on the X Factor, and also turned up on daytime courtroom series Judge Rinder.

(Image: MEN Media)

The Piccadilly Rats lineup includes founders Gaz Stanley as well as the late Ray Boddington - plus an array of friends they've met along the way, including Tommy Trouble, drummer Alan Jones, and teenage bassist Robert Branch.

(Image: Sean Hansford)

As well as their performances in Manchester city centre, the band have played at festivals including Kendal Calling and Parklife.

The tram was travelling from Market Street, in the direction of Manchester Victoria, when the collision took place at the junction of High Street and Church.

An investigation into the collision continues.