American Comedian Joan Rivers has died at the age of 81.

The US star suffered a heart attack after undergoing a minor procedure, but did recently come off life support.

However she passed away today at Mount Sinai Hospital, New York.

In a statement issued by her daughter in the last hour she said: "It is with great sadness that I announce the death of my mother, Joan Rivers. She passed peacefully at 1:17pm surrounded by family and close friends."