Disgraced former celebrity publicist Max Clifford has died, the Ministry of Justice said.

The 74-year-old was said to be "in a bad way" after collapsing twice at Littlehey Prison in Cambridgeshire, where he was serving an eight-year jail sentence for historic sex offences.

A spokesman for the Ministry of Justice confirmed Clifford died in hospital on December 10.

"As with all deaths in custody, there will be an investigation by the independent Prisons and Probation Ombudsman," the spokesman said.

"Our condolences are with Mr Clifford's family at this difficult time."

Clifford described himself as a regular visitor to Bournemouth in the days when his daughter went to Bournemouth University, and said he sponsored a fund for students with disabilities.

He spoke at the university several times and supported charity events locally.

More follows