British fashion icon Alexander McQueen commits suicide days after death of his beloved mother

British fashion designer Alexander McQueen was discovered dead today after taking his own life.

The industry was left reeling after the 40-year-old's suicide this morning, which comes just days after the death of his beloved mother, Joyce.

It is also just three years since his close friend, style guru Isabella Blow - who plucked him from obscurity and helped him become a star - killed herself.

McQueen, who was christened Lee but used his middle name as a designer, was found at his luxury flat in Mayfair, central London. It is believed he hanged himself.

One of his lines, McQ, was due to be shown at New York Fashion Week this afternoon but the show has now been cancelled.

Grieving: Alexander McQueen with his mother Joyce in 2001. She died last week, days before his suicide in London this morning

Police were called to the designer's £640,000 flat at 10.20am this morning after he was found dead. A private ambulance arrived to take away his body at 4.30pm.

Not long before it was taken away, a man with short blond hair who looked distraught and said he was McQueen's boyfriend, went inside.

Undertakers brought out the designer's body on a stretcher, covered in a maroon blanket.

The blond man came outside and waited, watching the door. He wiped tears from his eyes as he spoke on his mobile phone.

There were also tearful scenes at the designer's company headquarters in Farringdon, where staff were overcome with emotion.

A security guard said: This is a very difficult day.'

In a statement, the company said: 'On behalf of Lee McQueen's family, Alexander McQueen today announces the tragic news that Lee McQueen, the founder and designer of the Alexander McQueen brand, has been found dead at his home.

'At this stage it is inappropriate to comment on this tragic news beyond saying that we are devastated and are sharing a sense of shock and grief with Lee's family.

'Lee's family has asked for privacy in order to come to terms with this terrible news and we hope the media will respect this.'