World's shortest man dies, aged 21

The shortest man in the world has died at the age of 21 of suspected heart complications.

Guinness World Records confirmed that Chinese national He Pingping - who was 2ft 5in tall - passed away at the weekend after being hospitalised with chest pains while filming a TV show in Rome.

Editor-in-chief of the records book Craig Glenday said: "For such a small man, he made a huge impact around the world.

"From the moment I laid on eyes on him, I knew he was someone special - he had such a cheeky smile and mischievous personality, you couldn't help but be charmed by him."

He added: "He brightened up the lives of everyone he met, and was an inspiration to anyone considered different or unusual."

Guinness World Records said that it will announce the successor to the shortest man throne in due course.