Pink Floyd diamond Syd Barrett dies

Syd Barrett, one of the original members of Pink Floyd, has died at the age of 60 from complications arising from diabetes.

The guitarist was the band's first creative force and an influential songwriter, penning their early hits.

He co-founded Pink Floyd in 1965 but left three years later after one album. He went on to live as a recluse, with his mental deterioration blamed on drugs.

"He died very peacefully a couple of days ago," the band's spokeswoman said.

In a statement following the announcement of Barrett's death, Pink Floyd themselves acknowledge their former colleague was "the guiding light of the early band line-up and leaves a legacy which continues to inspire".

"Remember when you were young, you shone like the sun. Shine on you crazy diamond. Now there's a look in your eyes, like black holes in the sky. Shine on you crazy diamond."