Top British fashion designer Alexander McQueen, 40, was found dead in his house in London on Thursday, after apparently committing suicide, media reports said Friday quoting the police.

British fashion designer Alexander McQueen walks at the end of his Fall/Winter 2009/10 ready-to-wear women's collection during Paris Fashion Week in this March 10, 2009 file photo. McQueen was found dead in his London home earlier February 11, 2010, local media reported. [Xinhua]

"On behalf of Lee McQueen's family, Alexander McQueen today announces the tragic news that Lee McQueen, the founder and designer of the Alexander McQueen brand has been found dead at his home," read a statement by his family, which used his familiar name, Lee McQueen.

A woman walks by the Alexander McQueen store where a makeshift memorial lies outside, in New York February 11, 2010. [Xinhua]

"At this stage it is inappropriate to comment on this tragic news beyond saying that we are devastated and are sharing a sense of shock and grief with Lee's family," the family statement continued.

"Lee's family has asked for privacy in order to come to terms with this terrible news and we hope the media will respect this."

As one of the youngest and most ingenious designer worldwidely, McQueen became famous for his seminal graduation show at London's prestigious fashion school, Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design.

He won the British Designer of the Year award four times between 1996 and 2003.

For his distinct, flamboyant design style, McQueen earned a nick name “Bad Boy of British Fashion.” He would have celebrated his 41st birthday on March 17, St Parick's Day.

British fashion designer Alexander McQueen walks on the catwalk at the end of his 2004-2005 Autumn/Winter ready-to-wear fashion collection in Paris, in this March 5, 2004 file photo. [Xinhua]