Darts is paying tribute to one of its favourite sons after the death of five-time world champion Eric Bristow at the age of 60.

Bristow 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.”