Trade union leader Bob Crow, who grew up in Hainault and lived in Woodford Green, has died aged 52.

Mr Crow’s older brother, Richard Crow, said he believed the union leader had suffered a heart attack in the early hours of today.

Paramedics were called to his home shortly after 6.30am to reports of a person taken unwell and Mr Crow was taken by ambulance to Whipps Cross Hospital.

The Rail, Maritime and Transport union announced he had died “with the deepest regret”.

A brief statement said: “It is with the deepest regret that RMT has to confirm that our general secretary Bob Crow sadly passed away in the early hours of this morning.”

Mr Crow was born in Shadwell but moved to Hainault with his family as an infant and attended Kingswood Upper School, which later became The Forest Academy.

He became involved in union politics while based in Loughton working for London Transport.

As the leader of the Rail, Maritime and Transport Union, he headed many strikes including the recent walk-out on the London Underground.

London Mayor Boris Johnson said he was “shocked” by Mr Crow’s death.

He added: “Bob Crow was a fighter and a man of character.

“Whatever our political differences, and there were many, this is tragic news.

“Bob fought tirelessly for his beliefs and for his members.

“There can be absolutely no doubt that he played a big part in the success of the Tube, and he shared my goal to make transport in London an even greater success.

“It’s a sad day.”

Labour MP Mike Gapes, who represents Ilford South, said he met Mr Crow at a conference.

He added: “It’s very sad for someone to die so young and my thoughts are with his family at this time.”

Lee Scott, the Conservative MP for Ilford North, heard Mr Crow speaking on the radio on the night of his death.

He said: “Although our politics obviously can’t be said to be the same I want to offer my condolences to the family.

“He fought for what he believed in.”