David Cameron’s father Ian died today after suffering a stroke while on holiday in France.

Downing Street said the 77-year-old died shortly after the Prime Minister reached the hospital in the south of the country.

"It is with deep regret that we can confirm Ian Cameron died earlier this afternoon," the spokesman said.

"He passed away shortly after the PM arrived at the hospital in France where he was receiving treatment."

The Prime Minister's spokesman said Ian Cameron's death was not believed to be connected to any previously-existing medical condition.

He and the premier’s mother Mary were halfway through a two-week holiday when he suffered a stroke and heart complications overnight.

He was taken to a hospital near Toulon, where Mr Cameron rushed to see him after being informed of the situation at around 6am this morning.

Number 10 said French President Nicolas Sarkozy had intervened to arrange a helicopter to rush Mr Cameron to the hospital so he could see his father.

The PM is expected to remain in France overnight, but his movements after that have not been decided, according to the spokesman.