[Shaun]

Best-selling US author Tom Clancy, known to millions for his Jack Ryan series of novels, has died aged 66, his publisher has confirmed.

Clancy wrote a string of best-selling spy and military thrillers.

Several of his books featuring CIA analyst Ryan were adapted into successful films, including The Hunt for Red October and Patriot Games.

According to the New York Times, Clancy died in a Baltimore hospital near his Maryland home.

just breaking now on BBC. Bit shocked by this :/ not read any of his stuff but he's a huge author, whose works have gone on to build massive video games franchises (Rainbow Six, Ghost Recon, Splinter Cell etc.) R.I.P.