London - The disabled son of Britain's Conservative leader, David Cameron, has died aged 6, the Conservative Party said Wednesday.

Ivan, who had suffered from cerebral palsy and severe epilepsy, died in a London hospital after being taken ill during the night, the statement said.

Cameron, 42, and his wife Samantha, asked for their privacy to be respected "at this terribly difficult time."

The couple have two other children, Nancy, 5, and Arthur, aged 3. dpa ()