World of darts pays tribute to five-time World Champion Eric Bristow

Bristow, who was based in Staffordshire after being born and raised in London, suffered a heart attack after attending a corporate event in Liverpool ahead of Thursday's Premier League fixture at the Echo Arena.

The Professional Darts Corporation announced his death midway through the night's play - and the great and good of the sport were quick to pay their respects.

Keith Deller, who beat Bristow in the 1983 BDO World Championship final - one of the tournament's biggest shocks, worked with Bristow closely at Sky Sports and said: "I am devastated. Me and Eric were together all the time."

Two-time world champion Michael van Gerwen tweeted: "Just heard the latest horrible news that Eric Bristow has passed away. My thought are with his family at this sad time. True legend in the game! #RIPEric #legend"

Fellow Dutchman Raymond van Barneveld wrote on Twitter: "He was darts he meant so much to me, cannot believe it !! My thoughts go out to his wife and family."

Andy Fordham, BDO world champion in 2004, tweeted: "Can't believe my hero has gone my thoughts are with his family R.I.P Eric"

Phil Taylor paid his own tribute to Bristow on Twitter.

The 57-year-old, mentored by Taylor, said: "Words cannot express how sad and shocked I am to hear the terrible news about Eric's passing a huge influence on my career and a larger than life character the world has lost a legend. RIP pal #16."

Nigel Pearson, sports broadcaster and writer from Wombourne, who worked alongside Bristow also shared his tribute to the 60-year-old.

"When I was given a chance to work on the Sky Sports Darts team in 2006 this man put his arm around me and calmed my nerves as I was bricking it." he tweeted.

"Was a dream come true to meet him and then work with him.

"Treasured memories forever."