Ex-Labour peer Lord Janner dies, aged 87

Ex-Labour peer Lord Janner has died, according to reports. He was 87.

He died peacefully following a short illness on Saturday, his family said.

They said he will be "deeply missed" and requested that their "traditional period of mourning" be respected.

The peer was suffering from dementia. He had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2009.

He was suspended from the Labour party in April over allegations of child abuse dating back 50 years.

His last public appearance was in court in August, where he appeared frail and frail and was accompanied by his daughter and a carer.

That appearance lasted just 59 seconds and, making allowances for his ill health, the court allowed him to sit at a desk near an entrance used for vulnerable witnesses.

A High Court judge ruled earlier this month that he was unfit to stand trial over the allegations because of his "deteriorating and irreversible" dementia.

Labour MP Simon Danczuk, who led calls for the peer to face justice, said Lord Janner's death was "extremely sad" both for his family and for the alleged victims of sexual abuse who will be denied justice.

Sir Mick Davis, chairman of the Jewish Leadership Council, said: "The passing of Greville Janner marks the end of an era for the Jewish community.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the Janner family at this most difficult time."