Earlier this month, he was formally found unfit to stand trial over a string of sexual offences against boys dating back 50 years.

The former Labour MP had Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia.

In a statement, Lord Janner's family said he will be "deeply missed" after dying peacefully in his sleep earlier today.

Sky's Jon Craig described him as a "flamboyant" backbencher during his time in the Commons, which ended in 1997.

The station's Chief Political Correspondent added: "He will be recalled as a courageous and outspoken politician but it is the events of the last few years that have really been very controversial.

"He maintained his innocence, but of course, he was involved in legal proceedings."

Liz Dux, a specialist abuse lawyer who represents six of Lord Janner's alleged victims, has described the news of his death as "deeply disappointing for my clients".

She told Sky News: "They had waited so long to see this case before the court.

"Many of them gave a statement, many years ago, and the matter was not brought to court while he was well.

"So to be denied justice at the 11th hour - the case had been listed for early April - is very disappointing for them this evening."