The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union leader Bob Crow has died at the age of 52, according to the Press Association.

RMT Union Leader Bob Crow Dead

The Rail, Maritime and Transport union leader Bob Crow has died at the age of 52, the union has confirmed.

In a brief statement the RMT said:  "It is with the deepest regret that RMT has to confirm that our general secretary Bob Crow sadly passed away in the early hours of this morning.
"RMT would request that all media respect the privacy of the friends and family of Bob Crow at this distressing time."
Mr Crow has been a controversial and divisive figure seen by some as the staunch defender of workers rights and by others as a force for disruption.
His supporters credited him with revitalising the RMT while his detractors highlighted his significant salary and holidays abroad while continuing in a council house.

Former London Mayor Ken Livingstone paid tribute to Mr Crow saying that his work had a huge influence on young people coming up through the trade union movement and would create a "better generation of trade union leader in the future".
He told Sky News: "He fought really hard for his members. The only working-class people who still have well-paid jobs in London are his members."
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