Tributes have been paid to Dominic Elliott, 23, who died after he was taken to hospital from David Hockney's house near the seafront in Bridlington, East Yorkshire.

POLICE investigating how artist David Hockney's assistant died after he was taken ill at the painter's home are waiting for the results of a post-mortem examination.

Tributes have been paid to Dominic Elliott, 23, who died after he was taken to hospital from Hockney's house near the seafront in Bridlington, East Yorkshire.

Keen sportsman Mr Elliott worked as a personal assistant to the 75-year-old, setting up equipment and helping him in his studio.

He has also been the subject of more than one Hockney portrait.

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Humberside Police said the circumstances of his death were "not clear" and officers were investigating.

Mr Elliott died at Scarborough General Hospital on Sunday morning after he was taken there by a friend.

It is understood that friend was not Hockney, who is said to be very upset.

Humberside Police said: "The 23-year-old man was sadly pronounced dead at hospital and the police notified.

"The circumstances of the man's death are not clear. There were no signs of violence and a post-mortem examination is due to take place."

Bradford-born Hockney is sometimes referred to as Britain's greatest living artist and is one of the most influential cultural figures of the last 50 years, using Yorkshire for inspiration.

Hockney has made no public comment about Mr Elliott's death and it is not known whether he was at home at the weekend.

Mr Elliott is understood to be a Bridlington man who was recruited a number of years ago to help Hockney as he based himself in the resort and concentrated his art on the Yorkshire Wolds and surrounding area.