Stand up comic Ian Cognito has died after 'having a heart attack' during a gig, according to reports.

Emergency services were called to the Lone Wolf Comedy Club in Bicester at 10.20pm on Thursday night. Tragically, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

It's believed the anarchic comedian, who studied at Bath University before moving to Bristol, had been taking medication for a heart condition, according to The Mirror.

Zion Bristol, which hosts a number of comedy events, posted on Facebook: "He made our hearts skip many beats in anticipation of what he might do next... but what an absolute honour to have had Ian Cognito perform at three of our comedy events, he truly was one of the best, if you saw him you'll know how great he was at his craft, he probably would have enjoyed the audience reaction."

Comics rushed to pay tribute to the "lovable lunatic", who was affectionately known as Cogs. His age is unknown.

Jimmy Car tweeted: "Veteran stand-up comedian Ian Cognito has died on-stage - literally. The audience thought it was part of the act.

"Died with his boots on. That’s commitment to comedy. I’ll never forget his kindness when I started out & how god damn funny he was."

Close friend Mitch Benn said Cogs had been 18 months sober before his death and was in treatment.

On Twitter, he wrote: "Just heard about Ian Cognito. Known him 25 years. Saw him a month ago; looked better than I’d seen him in years.

"He was 18 months sober and in treatment. This feels so unfair. He’d never forgive me if I didn’t swear at this so WHAT YOU F**KING DO THAT FOR, COGS YOU C**T RIP."

I'm A Celebrity star and comic Shappi Khorsandi said: "Such a sad shock. Ian Cognito has died.

"One of the people who made this job brilliant from the very beginning has gone. I got so excited to be on bills with him and watch him work and have a beer after. And those eyes! Those beautiful eyes. Much love to all friends and family xx."

Actress and comic Katy Brand paid tribute: "Sad to hear about Ian Cognito. I hung with him a good few times in the past, and he was always fascinating and hilarious company. RIP Cogs."

Comic Rufus Hound added: "Ian Cognito has died.

"That might not mean much to you if your knowledge of stand-up only extends to a screen but for anyone who ever sat down in a comedy club and saw him on a stage - this is a hard one.

"Puck grew up and now Puck is dead. We have lost one of the greats. S***"

Red Imp Comedy Club paid tribute: "RIP Ian Cognito, Walthamstow born and bred, did Red Imp the first year we opened.

"He was one of the true mavericks on the circuit and was Walthamstow born and bread. More sad times for our oddball comedy community."

Ian, who prided himself on his unconventional comedy, won the Time Out Award for Stand-up Comedy in 1999.

Speaking in an interview back in 2012, the comic explained his humour: "Ultimately they should wanna be funny, then they'll be liked. Simples.

"Nasty can be funny, so long as you don't take it seriously. Best thing about getting old, a f**k you can not give.

"Anyway, no matter how nice you are, someone, somewhere thinks you're a c***. Sorry to tell you that.

"Course in Jimmy Carr's case someone somewhere thinks he's alright.

"I didn't do much comedy before I did comedy. Mainly tears in our house.

"For what it's worth I see quite a few established comedians nicking my moves. They know who I am.

Speaking about coping with hecklers, he said: "I don't think I've ever had no reaction at all, I usually manage something. Emptying a massive festival tent can be a tricky one to talk your way out of, particularly when it's pissing down and Phil Collins is on the main stage."

A police spokesman said: "Officers attended a sudden death incident in Pioneer Square in Bicester at around 10.20pm yesterday.

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"The ambulance service attended the scene and sadly the man was pronounced dead.

"A file has been prepared for the coroner, there is no further investigation required by Thames Valley Police."