Richard Attenborough death: Tributes pour in from worlds of entertainment, sport and politics

Prime Minister David Cameron calls Attenborough 'one of the greats of cinema'

Lord Richard Attenborough attends the Galaxy British Book Awards held at the Grosvenor House Hotel in 2008

Tributes to Lord Attenborough poured in from a broad range of society including the world of sport, politics, the media and acting.

Prime Minister David Cameron issued a statement calling Attenborough "one of the greats of cinema" after it was announced that the legendary actor and director had died on Sunday.

"His acting in 'Brighton Rock' was brilliant, his directing of 'Gandhi' was stunning," Mr Cameron said.

Former Labour Cabinet minister Peter Hain paid tribute to the "brilliant actor and film director" who he also hailed as an "anti-Apartheid, Labour and Chelsea Football Club stalwart".

He added on Twitter that it was "really sad news", referring to him as a "lovely man and friend".

Baroness Royall of Blaisdon, Labour's leader in the House of Lords, said she was "proud" that the actor was a Labour peer.

"Very sad to learn of death of Richard Attenborough, a fine man in every way. Proud that he was a Labour peer," she said.

And Labour MP Diane Abbott, said: “Very sad to hear Richard Attenborough has died - a man of the establishment who was never afraid to challenge that same establishment.”

On Twitter, broadcaster Alastair Stewart, who picked The Great Escape as his favourite Attenborough film, said: “#Attenborough. Admiring the cascade of affectionate nouns & adjectives: incredible, great, generous, lovely, actor, director, peer, socialist.”

Actor Mia Farrow, who appeared in the 1964 film Guns at Batasi with Attenborough, tweeted: “Richard Attenborough was the kindest man I have ever had the privilege of working with. A Prince. RIP 'Pa' - and thank you.”

Actor and comedian Miranda Hart ‏said in a tweet: “Attenborough clearly showed talent can combine with core kindness and values. RIP.”

And fellow comic Marcus Brigstocke tweeted: “What an extraordinary, wonderful and varied goodie bag of brilliant work Richard Attenborough leaves us to enjoy. RIP.”

Actor Sir Roger Moore tweeted: “Greatly saddened to hear the great Richard Attenborough has left us. Such a wonderful and talented man.”

Actor Samantha Bond tweeted: "So saddened to hear we have lost Sir Richard Attenborough. Great actor, great director, - funny, flirtatious, intelligent, a true gentleman."

Presenter and actor Stephen Fry wrote: "Sad to hear of Dickie Attenborough … He did so so much in so many arenas.”

The British Film Institute said it was “deeply saddened to hear that the great Richard Attenborough has passed away”.

Chelsea Football Club said it was "deeply saddened" to learn of the death of the actor and would "always be grateful" that the club was close to his heart.

“He led a long and successful life and always found time for the things in life he loved most, one of which was Chelsea FC,” the club said in a statement.

"Renowned throughout the world for his work in cinema which honoured him with awards for acting, directing and producing, football - and Chelsea in particular - was never far from his thoughts.”

Chelsea said he had been “a consistent force for good at the club, even in dark times”.

“Lord A was a thoroughly lovely and talented man who used his fame and influence for the good of the many causes close to his heart. We will always be grateful that our football club was one of them,” its statement added. “He will be greatly missed, and the thoughts of everyone at Chelsea FC are with his family and friends at this sad time.”

Read more: Richard Attenborough's most famous movies