JK Rowling has apologised publicly for killing off the beloved Harry Potter character Fred Weasley.

Today marks the 17th anniversary of the fictional Battle of Hogwarts, during which Fred was killed, so Rowling took this opportunity to apologise to fans for writing his death.

Taking to Twitter the author said, "Today I would just like to say: I'm really sorry about Fred. *Bows head in acceptance of your reasonable ire*"

A fan replied to the tweet asking, "What about Tonks, Lupin?" to which Rowling responded, "I thought I might apologise for one death per anniversary. Fred was the worst for me, so I started with him."