The family of troubled singer Amy Winehouse have appealed for privacy as they try to come to terms with her death.

The 27-year-old, who shot to fame with the album Frank and the cover of Valerie with Mark Ronson, was reported dead on Satrurday.

Tributes have flooded in for Ms Winehouse - who has battled with drink and drugs for years and whose father Mictch lives in Greenhithe with his second wife Jane.

Her death follows a much-chronicled descent into addiction, including a recent gig where she was booed off stage when she appeared drunk.

The family of the singer, speaking for the first time on Sunday, said they had been left "bereft" by her death, describing her as "a wonderful daughter, sister, niece."

In a statement they added: "She leaves a gaping hole in our lives. We are coming together to remember her and we would appreciate some privacy and space at this terrible time."

Her father has always stood by the troubled star.

Speaking to the KM Group at the height of her fame, he described his daughter as a "very respectful girl."

But the London cabbie said he struggled with the press attention the Brit Award winner generated.

Mitch was a constant source of support to his famous daughter - he attended the Brits with her and flew to America when she appeared on the David Letterman show.