New York Former Mayor Ed Koch dies at 88

Former New York City Mayor Ed Koch has died aged 88.

The brash, outspoken Democrat, who oversaw the city during some of its darkest years, had been in and out of hospital in recent months.

Koch became mayor in 1978 when New York was graffiti-marred and crime-ridden, and was credited with saving the city from near-bankruptcy.

He served three terms and afterwards remained active and popular, practising law, writing, and hosting a chat show.

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg said the city had "lost an irrepressible icon, our most charismatic cheerleader" and announced that flags at all city buildings would fly at half mast.

"Through his tough, determined leadership and responsible fiscal stewardship, Ed helped lift the city out of its darkest days and set it on course for an incredible comeback," Mr Bloomberg said.

His funeral will be held at Temple Emanu-El in Manhattan on Monday.