Singer Amy Winehouse has died at the age of 27.
She was found dead at her flat in North London on Saturday afternoon.
Two ambulance crews arrived at the scene and found Winehouse unconscious shortly after 4PM, but were unable to revive her.
The death is being treated as 'unexplained' by police who in a statement said: "On arrival officers found the body of a 27-year-old female who was pronounced dead at the scene. Enquiries continue into the circumstances of the death. At this early stage it is being treated as unexplained."
Amy Winehouse's family released a statement on Sunday saying the loss had left a "gaping hole": "Our family has been left bereft by the loss of Amy, a wonderful daughter, sister, niece. She leaves a gaping hole in our lives. We are coming together to remember her and would appreciate some privacy and space at this terrible time."
Monte and Avery Lipman, President and CEO, Co-President of Universal Republic Records respectively, said in a statement: “We are deeply saddened at the sudden loss of such a gifted musician, artist and performer. Our prayers go out to Amy’s family, friends and fans at this difficult time.”
Soon after the announcement was made fans began to gather near to Winehouse's London flat.
The news came only hours after a statement on Winehouse’s official website, announcing that the singer was taking a break from performing in order to get the help she needed and “return to her best”.
The statement continued: "Amy Winehouse is withdrawing from all scheduled performances. Everyone involved wishes to do everything they can to help her return to her best and she will be given as long as it takes for this to happen."
The reaction on social media was one of surprise and deep sadness. Fans, friends and celebrities alike tweeted their condolences.
Lily Allen said on Twitter: "Its just beyond sad, there's nothing else to say. She was such a lost soul, may she rest in peace."
Kelly Osbourne tweeted: "I cant even breath right my now im crying so hard i just lost 1 of my best friends. i love you forever Amy & will never forget the real you!"
Winehouse had battled drug and alcohol addiction for many years.
Winehouse's friends and fans were hopeful that she was on the road to recovery after she was pictured earlier this year looking less emaciated than before, and reportedly drug-free for at least the previous twelve months.
As recently as June, she embarked on a series of summer concerts around Europe – this was after a fresh spell in rehabilitation and was seen as a most eagerly-anticipated comeback from a singer, who still had the potential to enthral fans and critics alike.
Earlier this week Winehouse attended a concert by her 15-year-old goddaughter Dionne Bromfield. Winehouse did not perform but danced onstage and told fans in attendance to buy Bromfeld's album.
However Winehouse was recently booed in Serbia for a shambolic comeback performance in which she appeared to be under the influence of alcohol.
The rest of the tour was cancelled, with Winehouse flying home instead to recover – an official statement reported that she had felt “she cannot perform to the best of her ability”. This was an accurate description of the expressive and influential musician tragically all too often.
Winehouse's father Mitch recently told Spinner that Any was "doing better now". However, Winehouse added that his daughter still faced difficulties. "I'm not saying her problems have gone away, because they haven't. She's dealing with it."
Friends of Winehouse also remained concerned, telling The Sun recently that "she is rattling about at home in north London drinking herself into oblivion. Three times this week she has been so drunk she passed out."
Giving his reaction to Sky News on Sunday Dan Wootten, former showbiz editor for the News of the World said her family would lay the blame at her friends who failed to help her when she was in need.
"Why was she on stage in Serbia last month when she was clearly not well?," Wooten said. "Why were for a long time were people close to her saying that they had tests to prove she was off drugs when that was clearly not true?"
Winehouse's debut album Frank (2003) drew critical acclaim, but it was the iconic Back to Black (2006) that garnered her an international following, and went on to win her six major Grammys (the joint record for most won by a female artist in one year).