British horror writer James Herbert dies, aged 69

Best-selling horror author James Herbert, “one of the giants of popular fiction”, has died aged 69 (PA)

Best-selling horror author James Herbert, “one of the giants of popular fiction”, has died aged 69.

Mr Herbert, who wrote horror classic The Rats, passed away at his home in Sussex today, his publisher Pan Macmillan said.

Jeremy Trevathan, his editor for 10 years, said: “Jim Herbert was one of the keystone authors in a genre that had its heyday in the 1970s and the 1980s.

“It’s a true testament to his writing and his enduring creativity that his books continued to be huge bestsellers right up until his death.

“He has the rare distinction that his novels were considered classics of the genre within his lifetime. His death marks the passing of one of the giants of popular fiction in the 20th-century.”

The writer is survived by his wife Eileen and their daughters Kerry, Emma and Casey.