Former US Vice-President Dick Cheney dies aged 84

Dick Cheney, who served as the 46th Vice President of the United States, has died at the age of 84.

According to a statement released by his family, Cheney died last night following complications related to pneumonia as well as cardiac and vascular disease.

Remembered by his loved ones as "a great and good man," the family said he inspired his children and grandchildren "to love our country, and to live lives of courage, honour, love, kindness, and fly fishing."

Cheney held the Vice Presidency from 2001- 2009, serving alongside George W.Bush.

Cheney had a central role in US foreign and defence policy in the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks, becoming an advocate for a more aggressive stance on terrorism.

He was also a prominent decision-maker in the US invasion of Iraq in 2003, arguing that Saddam Hussein's regime possessed 'weapons of mass destruction' and posed a threat to US security.

These weapons were never found. The justification for the war and Cheney's broader role in the 'War of Terror' became the subject of widespread criticism.

In 2018, Cheney's life and political career were portrayed in the biographical film Vice, directed by Adam McKay.

The film chronicled Cheney's rise from Wyoming congressman to one of Washington's most influential Vice Presidents, with Christian Bale earning an Academy Award nomination for his portrayal of Cheney.