Eric Bristow dead: Phil Taylor reveals shock in personal message to darts legend

The darts hero died after suffering a heart attack aged 60.

The five-time world champion was taken ill during the Premier League darts event last night.

And Taylor has paid his respects on Twitter.

He said: "Words cannot express how sad and shocked I am to hear the terrible news about Eric's passing a huge influence on my career and a larger than life character the world has lost a legend. RIP pal #16."

Taylor’s message follows an out-pouring of emotion from the sporting world.

Two-time world champion Michael van Gerwen tweeted: "Just heard the latest horrible news that Eric Bristow has passed away.

“My thought are with his family at this sad time. True legend in the game! #RIPEric #legend.”

Fellow Dutchman Raymond van Barneveld wrote on Twitter: "He was darts he meant so much to me, cannot believe it !! My thoughts go out to his wife and family."

Andy Fordham, BDO world champion in 2004, tweeted: "Can't believe my hero has gone my thoughts are with his family R.I.P Eric"

Eric Bristow in numbers

5 - Bristow won five world titles, all as part of the British Darts Organisation (BDO) between 1980 and 1986. He also won five World Masters events.

4 - wins in both the British Open and the North American Open.

24 - major titles won during his career, a combination of the BDO World Championship, World Masters, British Professional Championship, Grand Masters, World and British Matchplay and the News of the World Championship.

16 - Bristow was one of 16 founder members in 1993 of the World Darts Council, which later became the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC).

1968 - the year Bristow turned professional.

1989 - the year he was made an MBE for services to sport.

60 - Bristow's age when he died on Thursday night.