Carlisle-born football legend Kevin Beattie has died.

He is understood to have passed away in the early hours of this morning, aged 64.

Known as The Beat, he was brought up in Botcherby before moving to Ipswich at the age of 15 to play for Ipswich Town.

He progressed through the youth ranks, making his debut against Manchester United in 1972.

He went on to make 296 appearances for the club, scoring 32 goals before injury ended his time at the club in December 1981.

Beat was regularly voted Town's greatest player of all time.

The defender also made a handful of appearances for Middlesbrough and Colchester and had a spell playing in Sweden and Norway.

Sir Bobby Robson hailed him as England’s best defender but injury restricted him to just nine caps for his country.

In a statement on its website, Town said there will be a minute’s applause before tomorrow's game against Brentford and the players will wear black armbands. There will also be a tribute to Beat in the matchday programme.

It added: "All at Ipswich Town send deepest condolences to Kevin’s family and friends."

His friend and BBC Radio Suffolk presenter Mark Murphy announced the player's death on Twitter.

He wrote: "It is with much sadness that I have to confirm the death in the early hours of this morning of my dear friend and @BBCSuffolk co-host Kevin Beattie.

"Kevin was undoubtedly the greatest ever @Official_ITFC Town player and his family have asked me to make the announcement. #RIPBeat"

His granddaughter, Grace Liffen, wrote on the social media site: "R.I.P grandad, you were my most favourite person ever. You inspired me so much and now you're gone. I’m going to be lost with out you. Fly high my beautiful angel, rest in peace. I love you."

She later thanked fans of Beattie who have posted their own tributes online.

Among those sharing their memories was Phil McNulty, BBC Sport's chief football writer, who wrote: "What a player Kevin Beattie was at either left-back or central defence. Suffered with injuries but everyone who played against him used to talk of a magnificent talent."