'The world's most famous lion' dies in Kenya

Scarface, the world's most famous lion, has died of natural causes aged 14, in Kenya. 

The king of animals, and the oldest lion in the Maasai Mara game reserve, was known for the huge scar across his right eye. 

His passing leaves a 400 square-mile territory up for grabs in the Kenyan reserve. 

The massive area in the Malaika and Ashnil camp territories was once held by Scarface and his three brothers: Morani, Sikio, and Hunter. 

They were known as the 'Four Musketeers' and headed a pride of nine females with cubs and a few young males.

Conservationists said the lion, whose species typically live between 10 and 14 years, had become skinny and sickly in the period leading up to his death. 

Announcing his death, the Mara Predator Conservation Programme said: 'At 1 pm local time [on Friday, June 11], Scarface took his last breath. 

'He died in peace without any disturbance from vehicles and hyenas. We were the only vehicle on the scene and by his side, hoping to give him any kind of comfort.

'The Mara has lost yet another one of its great iconic males. May his legend forever live on.'

Scarface suffered a series of injuries in his lifetime and was hit by a the spear of a Maasai warrior who was trying to protect his cattle. 

He received the scar across his eye, earning him the nickname Scarface, during a 2012 territory raid with his brothers when he was just four years old. 

Vets repeatedly intervened to treat the wound when it opened, preventing infection.