Amy Winehouse found dead at age 27

Ms Winehouse came into the public eye in 2003, when her first album Frank achieved platinum sales.

She grew up in Southgate, north London and attended The Mount school in Mill Hill.

Showbiz ran in her family; her grandmother Cynthia was a jazz singer, while her father Mitch recently launched a musical career of his own.

In May she was named as one of the 50 wealthiest people under the age of 30 in the UK by the Sunday Times Rich List.

She would have celebrated her 28th birthday this September.

Oliver Marcus, a Camden resident, said there were crowds of photographers and locals outside her flat as the news emerged. "The scene was a mix of shock but also there was the feeling that it was not surprising," he said. "Everyone was waiting to hear more news that never seemed to come."

Tributes were left to the star on Twitter. Lily Rose wrote: "It’s just beyond sad, there's nothing else to say. She was such a lost soul, may she rest in peace."

Sarah Brown said it was sad news. "Great talent, extraordinary voice, and tragic death," she said. "Condolences to her family."

"Poor unhappy creature," wrote Stephen Fry.