File photo of Physicist Stephen Hawking.
World renowned physicist Stephen Hawking has died at the age of 76.
He died peacefully at his home in Cambridge in the early hours of Wednesday, his family said.
In a statement his children, Lucy, Robert and Tim, said: "We are deeply saddened that our beloved father passed away today.
"He was a great scientist and an extraordinary man whose work and legacy will live on for many years."
They praised his "courage and persistence" and said his "brilliance and humors" inspired people across the world.
"He once said, 'It would not be much of universe if it wasn’t home to the people you love.' We will miss him forever."
