Bernie Marsden, a British rock guitarist who performed with Whitesnake in the 1970s and 80s, has died aged 72.

He died peacefully on Thursday surrounded by his wife and daughters.

Marsden co-founded Whitesnake with David Coverdale and co-wrote hits including Here I Go Again and Fool For Your Loving

He also had a solo career and released two albums.

Coverdale said he had been "honoured" to share the stage with Marsden.

Marsden performed in several Buckingham bands as a teenager before turning professional with UFO in 1972.

He and Coverdale formed Whitesnake in 1978 and played on the band's debut EP and first five albums.

After leaving Whitesnake in 1981, Marsden formed Alaska and made two albums in the 1980s.

He reunited with Whitesnake for the first time since 1981 at the Sweden Rock Festival in 2011

Marsden is survived by his wife, Fran, and daughters Charlotte and Olivia