FORMER first minister Rhodri Morgan died near his home, police have confirmed.

According to reports Rhodri Morgan collapsed and died while cycling in the lanes near his home.

A South Wales Police spokesman said: "We can confirm that officers were called to an incident which happened on a lane near Cwrt Yr Ala Road, [Michaelston-le-Pit] shortly after 5.00pm last night (Wednesday May 17) after reports that a man had been taken ill.

"Police and paramedics attended, sadly, the man, former First Minister Rhodri Morgan, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

"Next of kin have and HM Coroner have been informed."

Political parties in Wales have suspended their political campaigning for one day as a mark of respect for the former first minister.

Welsh Labour, of which Mr Morgan was a former leader, along with the Welsh Conservatives, the Welsh Liberal Democrats, the Wales Green party and Ukip have all pledged to step off the campaign trail.