Investigative journalist Roger Cook, the reporter credited with having invented the doorstep interview technique, has died peacefully after a short illness, his family has confirmed.

"Alongside a distinguished and award winning career in journalism, Roger was first and foremost a beloved husband and father," their statement read.

"He will be deeply missed by all of us, and we ask for privacy as we navigate this difficult loss."

ITV, which broadcast The Cook Report in the 1980s and 1990s, led the tributes, praising Cook's "groundbreaking approach to investigative journalism" which, it said, "made him one of broadcasting's most trusted and respected figures".

He won a Bafta special award for "for 25 years of outstanding quality investigative reporting" for that show, which ran between 1987 and 1999.

Cook "worked tirelessly to expose criminal wrongdoing and injustice, helping to drive important and lasting changes in the law," ITV said.

"His fearless contribution to journalism will long be remembered, and we send our deepest sympathies and condolences to his wife, family and friends at this difficult time."

Cook took bruises and beatings during his investigations, which saw him tackle injustice and stand up for victims of crime.

During one doorstep in 1981, he sustained three broken ribs at the hands of an alleged car thief with a baseball bat.

His career took him from Radio 4's Checkpoint to The World This Weekend to sixteen series of The Cook Report.

At its peak more than 12 million watched the New Zealand-born, Australia raised journalist's investigations.

And although he said he hated it, the Roger Cook doorstep was, he felt, essential.

At one point the police said a hitman had been hired to kill him.

Cook said audience research had revealed the public liked him taking on the crooks and charlatans but they didn't actually want to see him getting hit.