The Uzbekistan government has confirmed that President Islam Karimov has died.

It follows a lengthy period of confusion for the country over the state of the presidents health, with conflicting reports claiming he had died following a stroke and others saying he was still recovering in hospital.

Earlier, Interfax news agency withdrew a report of his death, saying it had been put out due to a "technical error".

Mr Karimov - who was criticised by Western countries for his authoritarian style of leadership and human rights record - had not designated a successor, and the transition of power could open up a confrontation within the country.

Uzbek Prime Minister Shavkat Miromonovich Mirziyoyev has been appointed head of the commission organising the dictator's funeral.