Star Trek actor Leonard Nimoy dies aged 83

International Space Station astronaut Terry Virts has tweeted a picture of a Vulcan salute from orbit as he paid tribute to the late Star Trek actor Leonard Nimoy:

US President Barack Obama has issued a statement after the death of veteran actor Leonard Nimoy.

Zachary Quinto, who played Mr Spock in the 2009 reboot 'Star Trek' and its 2013 sequel 'Star Trek Into Darkness', has said his "heart is broken" after the news that the original Mr Spock, Leonard Nimoy, died this morning.

Celebrities have been positing tributes on Twitter to actor Leondard Nimoy.

George Takei, known for his role as Hikaru Sulu in the television series Star Trek, said he will miss Leonard Nimoy and the world had "lost a great man"

On his official Facebook page Mr Takei said Nimoy was being "returned to the stars".

He also told MSNBC: "You know, the word ‘extraordinary’ is often overused, but I think it’s really appropriate for Leonard.

"He was an extraordinarily talented man, but also a very decent human being. His talent embraced directing as well as acting, and photography.

"He was a very sensitive man and we feel his passing very much. He’d been ill for a long, long time and we miss him very much.”

William Shatner, who played Star Trek's Captain Kirk, said he loved Leonard Nimoy "like a brother".

He added: "We will all miss his humour, his talent, and his capacity to love."

Leonard Nimoy's granddaughter Dani has posted a moving tribute to the 83-year-old actor through his official Twitter account.

She said her grandfather was "an extraordinary man, husband, grandfather, brother, actor, author-the list goes on- and friend. Thank you for the warm condolences. May you all LLAP (Live Long And Prosper)".

Nasa has paid tribute on Twitter to Star Trek star Leonard Nimoy who has died at the age of 83.