A punk singer who formed her band after watching the Sex Pistols perform on Hastings Pier has died.

Poly Styrene, former singer with the X Ray Spex, died on Monday evening aged 53 after suffering from spine and breast cancer.

Poly, whose real was Marianne Elliot-Said, lived in St Leonards.

A statement on her official Twitter feed said: “We can confirm that the beautiful Poly Styrene, who has been a true fighter, won her battle on Monday evening to go to higher places.”

Poly Styrene formed her band after watching the Sex Pistols perform on her 18th birthday. Her signature tune was Oh Bondage Up Yours! and included the line: “Some people think little girls should be seen and not heard.”

The band released just one album Germ Free Adolescents in 1978 before splitting up.

She went on to record solo album Translucence in 1980.

Boy George paid tribute to her on Twitter. He said: “I was a fan of Poly before I got to know her. She was a Krishna follower too.

“Oh bless you Poly you will be missed! Legend!”