US singer and actress Whitney Houston dies aged 48

American singer and actress Whitney Houston has died at the age of 48, her publicist Kristen Foster has said

American singer and actress Whitney Houston has died in Los Angeles at the age of 48.

A spokesman for Houston's family confirmed the news, saying: "Unfortunately, it is true."

Houston was one of the most celebrated female singers of all time, with hits including I Will Always Love You and Saving All My Love For You.

But her later career was overshadowed by substance abuse and her turbulent marriage to singer Bobby Brown.

Police spokesman Mark Rosen told reporters Houston was pronounced dead at 15:55 pm (23:55 GMT) at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, where she was staying as a guest.

Fire department personnel and members of hotel security were already attempting resuscitation when police arrived at the scene, he said.

"She has been positively identified by friends and family that were with her at the hotel, and next of kin have already been notified," he added.

The cause of her death remains unclear but Mr Rosen said there were "no obvious signs of criminal intent".

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