Beatles star John Lennon's first wife Cynthia dies

Yoko Ono, John Lennon's widow, has issued a statement paying tribute to his first wife Cynthia who has died at the age of 75.

Sir Paul McCartney also paid tribute.

He said: "The news of Cynthia's passing is very sad. She was a lovely lady who I've known since our early days together in Liverpool.

"She was a good mother to Julian and will be missed by us all but I will always have great memories of our times together."

And Ringo Starr tweeted a message of support for her son Julian.

Hunter Davies, who penned the only official biography of The Beatles in 1968, has described Cynthia Lennon as "a lovely woman".

He said: "When I was writing the book I spent two years with them, visiting her home and spending time with her.

"She was totally different from John in that she was was quiet and reserved and calm.

"She was not a hippy at all."

He added: "I think it was the attraction of opposites between them. When they got together at art school everyone was amazed - she was seen as refined and reserved and nobody thought they would last.

"John treated her appallingly. He slept with Yoko in their marital home and, as we discovered later, he also physically attacked her but she was loyal to him."

Julian Lennon has posted a moving video tribute to his mother Cynthia after she died today from cancer.

The video features still images of the Lennon family.

He also tweeted a picture of his mother inside a heart with the message "In Loving Memory".

John Lennon's first wife Cynthia has died at the age of 75.

A message on her son Julian's website said she died "following a short but brave battle with cancer".

It said: "Her son Julian Lennon was at her bedside throughout. The family are thankful for your prayers.

"Please respect their privacy at this difficult time."

Late Beatles star John Lennon's first wife Cynthia has died, her family said.

In a statement, they said she passed away today at her home in Spain.