Sir Sean Connery - best known for originating the role of James Bond in movies - has died at the age of 90, his family has confirmed.

According to BBC News, the legendary Scottish actor died in his sleep at his home in the Bahamas, having been unwell for some time.

In an acting career stretching back to the 1950s, Connery won an Oscar, two BAFTAs and three Golden Globes, appearing in films such as The Untouchables, Marnie and The Hunt For Red October.

Connery was defined by his role as super sleuth 007, however, first appearing in 1962's Dr No and then returning for six further movies - including Goldfinger and Diamonds Are Forever.

For younger audiences he was perhaps best known for his star turn in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, playing the titular character's father, while he frequently topped polls to be named the greatest living Scot.

Nicola Sturgeon, First Minister of Scotland, tweeted: "I was heartbroken to learn this morning of the passing of Sir Sean Connery. Our nation today mourns one of her best loved sons.

"Sean was born into a working class Edinburgh family and through talent & sheer hard work, became an international film icon and one of the world's most accomplished actors.

"Sean will be remembered best as James Bond - the classic 007 - but his roles were many & varied. He was a global legend but, first and foremost, a patriotic and proud Scot - his towering presence at the opening of @ScotParl in 1999 showed his love for the country of his birth."

She added of Connery - a staunch advocate of Scottish Independence: "It was a privilege to have known Sean. When I last spoke to him it was clear even then that his health was failing - but the voice, the spirit and the passion that we all loved so well were still there. I will miss him. Scotland will miss him. The world will miss him."

Connery is survived by his wife of 45 years Micheline and son Jason.