He Pingping of China, 21, left, and Sultan Kosen of Turkey, 27, are seen during an event organized by Guinness World Records in Istanbul.

The world's shortest man, He Pingping, has died at the age of 21, a Guinness World Records spokesman said.  Pingping, who was 29 inches tall, was filming a television programme in Italy when he developed chest problems.

The Chinese-born man, who became a record-holder in March 2008, was taken to hospital in Rome for treatment but passed away on Saturday. It is understood he died of heart complications. Full story.