BREAKING Actor Alan Rickman, star of Harry Potter, dies aged 69

It has just been announced that British actor, Alan Rickman has died at the age of 69 after a battle with cancer. 

The London born actor is perhaps most notable to younger fans as Professor Snape in the Harry Potter series and for his role in popular rom-com, Love Actually. 

The tragic news has just been announced and he is survived by his wife of three years, Rima Horton. 

We are reeling from the news that our favourite Hogwarts professor has passed. 

In a statement released by the family, the actor passed away peacefully in London this morning. 

"The actor and director Alan Rickman has died from cancer at the age of 69."

"He was surrounded by family and friends."

Rickman, who is a beloved British talent and public figure, kept the news of his illness very private from the press. 

This marks the second high profile death from Cancer this week as David Bowie also passed away on Monday.