Former Great Britain Olympic boxer Neville Cole has died aged 56

Former Great Britain Olympic boxer Neville Cole has died at the age of 56.

His death from suspected heart failure at the Royal London Hospital, Whitechapel in the early hours of Tuesday morning has shocked and saddened sportsmen in the East End.

Cole was a three-time ABA champion during a sparkling amateur career at Fitzroy Lodge ABC, which saw him selected as a member of the Great Britain squad for the 1972 Munich Olympics.

The Advertiser's boxing correspondent Len Whaley called Cole "an outstanding boxer and a very popular character throughout the East End", while Fitzroy Lodge official Mick Carney also paid tribute to the Dublin-born fighter.

"Neville was a true gentleman outside the ring and one of the finest boxers we have ever had inside it," Carney said.

"He brought great status to our club, fighting in the 1972 Olympics and in the European Championships two years later.

"Cornelius Boza-Edwards went on to win worlds titles from this club, and Neville was right up there with him as the best we have ever produced."

Cole leaves a partner and four children.

The funeral will be held at the City of London Cemetery and Crematorium in Aldersbrook Road, Manor Park next week.

Details of the arrangements are available from the family or from Fitzroy Lodge ABC on 0207 928 0146.