Harry Potter actor Dave Legeno has died while hiking in California, police in the US have confirmed.

British actor Legeno, 50, who played werewolf Fenrir Greyback in three Harry Potter films, was found in a remote part of Death Valley by a pair of hikers in the early hours of Sunday, the Inyo County Sheriff said.

Officers sent a helicopter to locate his body and recover it.

It is believed Legeno, who was also a mixed martial arts fighter, died of heat-related issues, police said.

A sheriff's department spokesman said: "The remains have been identified as David Legeno, a 50-year-old United Kingdom man.

"It appears that Legeno died of heat-related issues, but the Inyo County Coroner will determine the final cause of death.

"There are no signs of foul play," he added.

Legeno was set to star in upcoming film Sword of Vengeance, produced by Vertigo Films.