SWEDISH DJ Avicii has died aged 28, his representative has confirmed.

The electronic dance music producer, real name Tim Bergling, was found dead in Oman on Friday afternoon.

In a statement his publicist said: "It is with profound sorrow that we announce the loss of Tim Bergling, also known asAvicii."

"The family is devastated and we ask everyone to please respect their need for privacy in this difficult time."

His death comes days after he was nominated for a Billboard Music Award for top dance/electronic album.

Avicii, who boasted two UK number ones, retired from touring in 2016 and has battled acute pancreatitis in the past and had his gallbladder and appendix removed in 2014.

Scottish DJ Calvin Harris was one of the first to pay tribute, calling his fellow musician a "beautiful soul".

He added: "My heart goes out to his family."

Pop star Dua Lipa tweeted: "Such sad news to hear aboutAvicii passing. Too young and way too soon. My condolences go out to his family, friends and fans x."

Singer Liam Payne tweeted: "Oh my god truly devastated for Avicii. Very very sad news way to young ... what a talent he was. rest in peace x."

American singer Charlie Puth tweeted: "Wow, I would like to take a moment to pay tribute to the man who really opened my eyes as to what my productions could one day sound like.

"@Avicii was a genius and a music innovator, and I can not believe he is no longer with us. RIP to the very best."

Singer Adam Lambert, who collaborated with Avicii on Lay Me Down, wrote: "RIP Tim. You were a brilliant composer and a gentle spirit. Fond memories of creating music."

DJ Zedd wrote: "No words can describe the sadness I'm feeling right now, hearing aboutAvicii passing away.

"Thoughts go out to his family and friends."

Producer and Chic star Nile Rodgers, a friend and collaborator of Avicii's, said he was in tears after hearing the news about his "little bro".

He wrote in a series of posts on Twitter: "I was just told my dear friend Tim @avicii just passed away. Please let this be a hoax. If not #RIPAVICII one of the best natural melody.

"Dear Tim your family have my most heartfelt condolences. You were my little bro. Love always.

"I'm crying on the airplane. I hope I don't make the passengers nervous."

In a note announcing his retirement in 2016 he said: "I know I am blessed to be able to travel all around the world and perform, but I have too little left for the life of a real person behind the artist.

"I will however never let go of music - I will continue to speak to my fans through it, but I've decided this 2016 run will be my last tour and last shows."

He released his debut studio album, True, in 2013 and followed it up with Stories in 2015.

Here are some of his biggest hits since his breakthrough in 2011:

I Could Be The One

He scored his first UK number one in February 2013 alongside Dutch DJ Nicky Romero with I Could Be The One. The track, which features uncredited vocals from Swedish singer Noonie Bao, also topped the charts in Hungary and entered the top ten in Australia, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Norway and Ireland.

Collide

Avicii had to fight his way into the mainstream. In 2011 X Factor winner Leona Lewis and her record label, Syco, had to settle a legal dispute with the DJ after he claimed they used an instrumental that was a direct copy of his own song, Fade Into Darkness. Collide was eventually released as a collaboration between Lewis and Avicii which skyrocketed his career and scored a number four in the charts.

Wake Me Up

Taken from his hugely successful debut album, True, Wake Me Up saw Avicii pick up his second number one in the UK charts. The track - featuring Aloe Blacc's vocals - was the lead single for the album and became a 2013 summer anthem.

Lay Me Down

Also taken from True, Lay Me Down saw Avicii team up with Nile Rodgers and Adam Lambert. Rodgers lends his songwriting and guitar backing skills while Lambert - who performed the single during his own solo tour - is on vocals.

Hey Brother

Again off True, Hey Brother was an instant commercial success. American bluegrass singer Dan Tyminski lends his vocals for the track which came from Avicii offering his brother advice. An official music video released in 2013 saw two brothers growing up in wartime America, with the older brother dying in the Vietnam war.