Haringey’s top trade unionist has paid tribute to rail union boss Bob Crow, who died early this morning.

Mr Crow, 52, was the general secretary of the Rail Maritime and Transport union, but previously served as a delegate for the Haringey Trade Union Congress (TUC).

Keith Flett, the secretary of the borough’s TUC, became close friends with Mr Crow during his time as a delegate.

Mr Flett described him as the “leading trade unionist of a generation”.

He said: “It’s a very sad day and there is nobody like him.

“Bob fought really hard for his members and he was a fantastic negotiator.

“He started off fighting for union members in Haringey and Enfield and never forgot his roots.”

Mr Crow was rushed to Whipps Cross hospital in Leytonstone, east London, by ambulance early this morning after suffering an aneurysm and massive heart attack.

The RMT boss, who proudly still lived in a council house in Woodford Green, east London, leaves a partner, Nicola Hoarau, 50.

The RMT union announced his death this morning 'with the deepest regret'.

Mr Flett said: “Bob was always happen to come down and speak to trade union activists regardless of whether is it was 12 people or 12,000.

“He will be greatly missed by a lot of people in Haringey and some of the senior members of the RMT.”

Mr Crow was elected general secretary of the RMT in 2002 following the death of former leader Jimmy Knapp.

Mr Flett added: “Bob was the leading trade unionist of his generation.

"He had a knack for winning disputes for his members and I like to think he learned a few things during his time with the Haringey TUC.”