Brother of Caroline Aherne says his "heart is broken"

The brother of Caroline Aherne has said his "heart is broken" following the comedian and actress' death from cancer.

The 52-year-old star was best known for hit sitcom The Royle Family and the riotous chat show The Mrs Merton Show, both of which won a string of awards.

Aherne, who more recently narrated Channel 4 show Gogglebox, had been battling lung cancer and had previously been treated for bladder and eye cancer.

In a statement made to the Daily Mirror, her brother Patrick said: "My heart is broken as I loved her so much. But she is now in a better place and most of all she has no pain.

"I have lost a beautiful sister and the world has lost an amazing talent.

"I know Caroline would want everybody to be happy and not sad and I think we should now remember the comedy legacy she has left for us. RIP Caroline."

An unnamed relative also told the paper that the family "didn't expect her to go" and that she "died on her own".

Aherne's death was announced by her publicist Neil Reading, who said she died on Saturday at her home in Timperley, Greater Manchester.