Renowned author Frederick Forsyth, famous for his novel The Day Of The Jackal, has passed away at the age of 86 after a brief illness, as confirmed by his literary agents Curtis Brown.

His iconic book The Day Of The Jackal was adapted into a film in 1973 and later into a TV series on Sky Atlantic with actors Eddie Redmayne and Lashana Lynch.

The best-selling author was surrounded by his family at the time of his passing on Monday morning, according to Curtis Brown.

Forsyth, a former RAF pilot and investigative journalist turned novelist, was also known for his thrilling crime books such as The Fox, The Kill List, and The Afghan.

Born in Ashford, Kent, in 1938, Forsyth joined the Royal Air Force in 1956 before transitioning to a career in journalism after two years.

He covered international stories, including the attempted assassination of French general Charles de Gaulle, which inspired The Day Of The Jackal published in 1971.

In 2000, Forsyth became the first prominent British writer to release a book exclusively on the internet.

His 2015 memoir, The Outsider: My Life In Intrigue, revealed his extensive involvement with MI6.

Jonathan Lloyd, his agent, expressed his condolences, highlighting Forsyth's remarkable life and contributions to the literary world.

He mentioned Forsyth's diverse career, from being an RAF pilot to a journalist and eventually an acclaimed author with over 25 books, many of which were adapted into films.

Forsyth's legacy will live on through his timeless works, leaving a lasting impact on his fans worldwide.