Civil rights activist Darcus Howe has died aged 74, according to his biographer.

The writer and campaigner’s biographer Robin Bruce said he died peacefully in his sleep at his home in Streatham on Saturday, April 1.

Mr Howe had been diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2007 and wrote about his treatment in an article for the Guardian in 2009.

He spent 50 years campaigning for black rights and wrote for various publications and was praised for having brought a “radical voice”.

He was editor for more than a decade at Race Today magazine, and more recently was a columnist for The Voice newspaper.

Mr Howe also wrote a regular column for the New Statesman, as well as having a column in the Evening Standard in the 1990s.

The activist, who was a member of the British Black Panthers, also worked in broadcasting, doing work for the BBC and Channel 4.

Dr Bunce, a historian at Homerton College at the University of Cambridge, said: "On a personal level, Darcus was enormously warm and generous and he loved life.

"It was a real privilege to get to know him."

Dr Bunce, who co-wrote the biography - Renegade: The Life and Times of Darcus Howe - with Paul Field, hailed Mr Howe's "grass roots activism" in the 1970s and 80s.

He added: "I think he's also important in the 80s, 90s and 00s, because he brought a radical voice, a voice for egalitarianism and justice, to the mainstream media."

Following his death politicians and celebrities paid tribute to the campaigner on social media.

MP Diane Abbott tweeted: "So sad to hear that Darcus Howe has passed away. One of the standout activists & public intellectuals of his generation."

MP John McDonnell wrote on Twitter: "Sad to hear Darcus Howe has died. He was a courageous campaigner against injustice and for equality and civil liberties over decades."

Actor Adil Ray wrote: "Sad to hear about the passing of Darcus Howe. An important voice as many of us were growing up."

Presenter June Sarpong wrote: "RIP #Darcushowe a great broadcaster and visionary, who used his platform to highlight social issues and ignite much needed conversations."

Mr Howe is survived by his wife Leila Hassan.