Harrison's disgust at death reports

George Harrison and his wife, Olivia

Former Beatle George Harrison has dismissed newspaper stories that he is close to death as untrue and insensitive.

In a statement released by the 58-year-old, who was treated for a brain tumour last month, and his wife, Olivia, the couple said they were "disappointed and disgusted" by the reports.

Harrison was the youngest member of the Beatles

Several news outlets carried a story on Monday referring to the musician's "imminent demise".

The reports were based around remarks said to have been made by former Beatles' producer George Martin.

'Unsubstantiated'

Mr Martin has denied giving an interview on the subject of Harrison's health to any newspaper, the couple's statement said.

Harrison underwent an operation to remove a cancerous lump from his neck in 1997 and earlier this month said he was fine after his treatment for a tumour at a Swiss clinic.

The statement said: "The reports were unsubstantiated, untrue, insensitive and uncalled for, especially as Mr Harrison is active and feeling very well in spite of the health challenges he has had this year."

It continued: "George Martin was quoted and has emphatically denied speaking to any newspaper."

Harrison, whose life was threatened when he was stabbed by an intruder in 1999, has battled cancer scares over the last four years.

He has blamed his health problems on smoking.

He was the youngest member of the Beatles and went on to forge a solo career after the band split, as well as performing with Bob Dylan and Roy Orbison in the Traveling Wilburys.