Oligarch Berezovsky found dead (From Maldon and Burnham Standard)

Oligarch Berezovsky found dead

6:36pm Saturday 23rd March 2013 in National News © Press Association 2013

Russian oligarch Boris Berezovsky has died at the age of 67.

The exiled businessman, who last year lost a multibillion-pound High Court fight with Chelsea Football Club owner Roman Abramovich, was found dead at his home in Berkshire.

Lord Tim Bell, the advertising and PR executive, confirmed his death.

A spokesman for his company, Bell Pottinger, said Berezovsky was found at his home in Ascot, Berkshire.

He said: "His body was found by his bodyguard. No other details are available at this time." It was widely reported the former mathematics professor had taken his own life but that was not officially confirmed.

Berezovsky was part of Boris Yeltsin's inner circle in the latter years of his presidency and became deputy secretary of Russia's security council. He acquired his fortune in the 1990s after the privatisation of state assets following the collapse of Soviet Communism.

The businessman survived a number of assassination attempts, including a bomb in his car that decapitated his chauffeur.

Berezovsky emigrated to the UK in 2000 after falling out with president Vladimir Putin. In fear of his life, he sought political asylum and moved to the South East of England, buying upmarket properties in Knightsbridge and Berkshire.

Thames Valley Police said they were investigating the unexplained death of a 67-year-old man.

A spokesman said: "Thames Valley Police have launched an investigation into the death of a 67-year-old man at a property in Ascot, Berkshire. His death is currently being treated as unexplained and an inquiry is under way.

"The area around the property has been cordoned off to allow the investigation to take place. The investigation is at a very early stage and more details will be released when available."