Tributes have been paid to a renowned Liverpool journalist who has died from a suspected heart attack aged 71.

Ian Hamilton Fazey, who was chair of city’s Waterloo Residents Association, died at his home on Monday morning.

Birmingham-born, he moved in Liverpool in the 1960s and held a number of senior journalistic roles in the city throughout the 1970s.

Ian became chief feature writer and chief sub-editor of the now-defunct Daily Post and deputy editor of the Echo,  as well as managing director of Wirral Newspapers and general manager of the Daily Post and Echo.

He left to join the Financial Times in 1980 as their northern correspondent, and reported closely on Michael Heseltine’s time as minister for Merseyside, and his attempt to revitalise Toxteth after the riots.

In 1990 Ian received an OBE for services to journalism and in 1999 he edited Insider magazine.

The Liverpool Echo quoted his wife Cindy as saying: “My husband was a super man. He was a wonderful husband and an enthusiast for everything. He loved his community, rugby, friends, and his dogs.”

In 2009 he received death threats after campaigning against the increasing number of bars in South Road. An anonymous caller threatened to burn his house down and kill him, which led to a police investigation. Later that year Ian won the Sefton People’s Champion award.

Speaking to the in 2009, Ian described himself as an honorary Scouser.

Despite being wheelchair-bound, he also defended Waterloo and Christ Church conservation areas and was a vocal champion of disabled rights in Sefton.

Waterloo councillor Paul Cummins said: “I knew Ian for 30 years and played rugby with him at Waterloo. He was a great fella, and tireless campaigner for Waterloo.

“He used his journalist experience and skills to great effect. He was devoted to his community and to Waterloo residents association. He was unique and will not be replaced.”