TV presenter Caroline Flack has died, at the age of 40.

Her family confirmed the news in a statement issued this evening.

"We can confirm that our Caroline passed away today, the 15th of February," it said.

"We would ask that the press respect the privacy of the family at this difficult time and we would ask they make no attempt to contact us and/or photograph us."

The TV star stepped down from presenting the current series of Love Island in December, over allegations she assaulted her boyfriend Lewis Burton.

She had been due to stand trial next month.