North Korean leader Kim Jong-il has died, it has been announced by the state-run television in the communist country. 

He was reported to have died on a train whilst travelling to an area outside the capital after suffering a heart attack.

Kim Jong-il had run the country since the death of his father in 1994, however he had been absent from his duties recently after recovering from a stroke.

The announcement of the leader's death came suddenly on state television, with a spokesperson dressed all in black, reading the statement through floods of tears.

She said his death was due to physical and mental over-work.

His third son, Kim Jong-un - aged in his late 20s - was named his father's successor last year.

Photo: © Rex