According to New York City police officials, Catching Fire actor Philip Seymour Hoffman was found dead in his Manhattan apartment last night. Reports suggest that the cause of death was a drug overdose. 

The 46-year-old Oscar and Academy Award winner was found unconscious in the bathroom of his Greenwich Village home, and despite attempts from a team of paramedics, he was pronounced dead at the scene. Emergency services had been alerted by a 911 call believed to have been made by playwright David Katz and another friend.

A police spokesperson says Hoffman was found with a syringe in his arm and that two bags of what is believed to be a class A drug were later discovered in his apartment.

Philip Seymour Hoffman

Acting legend Philip Seymour Hoffman

The actor’s family issued a statement thanking the public for their support, saying: “We are devastated by the loss of our beloved Phil and appreciate the outpouring of love and support we have received from everyone. This is a tragic and sudden loss and we ask that you respect our privacy during this time of grieving. Please keep Phil in your thoughts and prayers.”

The father of three was last seen at 8pm on Saturday. According to officials he was meant to collect his children, from his ex-partner Mimi O’Donnell, on Sunday morning but failed to show up.

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The actor’s body is carried out of the New York apartment

Hoffman’s struggle with substance abuse has been well publicised throughout his career. He first checked into rehab at the age of 22, shortly after finishing drama school. His addictive personality saw him become engrossed in his work. As a method actor, he lived his parts and is said to have become angry if anyone asked if he was enjoying making a film.

Renowned for playing moody and tormented characters, he threw himself into their world. Before filming Capote he spent months learning to walk and talk like his character – an effort that paid off when he won an Oscar for Best Actor.

Although Hoffman struggled with drug addiction, he was well respected among his peers for his incredible talent, work ethic and humble attitude. “I have a fine level of recognition in the business and among the acting community now,” he once said. “I consider myself one of the lucky ones. If I didn’t think like that, there would be something wrong with me. I’m grateful and thankful for what I’ve got.”