Dolores O’Riordan dead: The Cranberries frontwoman dies suddenly aged 46

Lead singer of The Cranberries, Dolores O’Riordan has died aged just 46.

The Irish musician was in London for a recording session before her death.

O’Riordan’s publicist confirmed the news in a statement which requested privacy on behalf of her family.

“Irish and international singer Dolores O’Riordan has died suddenly in London today," the statement read. “She was 46 years old. The lead singer with the Irish band The Cranberries, was in London for a short recording session. No further details are available at this time.

“Family members are devastated to hear the breaking news and have requested privacy at this very difficult time.”

The news comes months after The Cranberries were forced to postpone 14 tour dates after O’Riordan was ordered to “cease work” over a back problem.

A statement posted in May read: “Most regrettably, Dolores O’Riordan has been instructed by her doctors to immediately cease work for the next four weeks for medical reasons associated with a back problem.

“This means that sadly the following shows will not go ahead as planned.”

O’Riordan was born in Limerick in 1971 and found international success with the band in the 90s. The group had chart success with singles including Zombie and Linger before their hiatus in 2003. They later reunited in 2009.

O’Riordan also enjoyed solo success, releasing her first album Are You Listening? in May 2007 before following up with No Baggage in 2009.

Tributes flooded in from fellow musicians in the wake of her death, including Irish band Kodaline who tweeted: “Absolutely shocked to hear about the passing of Dolores O'Riordan! @The_Cranberries gave us our first big support when we toured with them around France years ago!

“Thoughts are with her family and friends.”

Duran Duran posted: “We are crushed to hear the news about the passing of Dolores O’Riordan. Our thoughts go out to her family at this terrible time.”

Ireland's President Michael D Higgins also paid tribute to the singer, saying her death will be “a big loss”.

In a statement, Mr Higgins said: "It is with great sadness that I have learned of the death of Dolores O'Riordan, musician, singer and song writer.

“Dolores O'Riordan and The Cranberries had an immense influence on rock and pop music in Ireland and internationally.

“I recall with fondness the late Limerick TD Jim Kemmy's introduction of her and The Cranberries to me, and the pride he and so many others took in their successes.”

O'Riordan was diagnosed with bipolar disorder after she assaulted an air hostess on an Aer Lingus flight in November 2014 shortly after separating from her husband of 20 years Don Burton.

She admitted four offences and was fined €6,000 (£5,330).

O’Riordan is survived by her three children Taylor Baxter, Molly Leigh and Dakota Rain who she had with former Duran Duran tour manager Burton.