Michelle Williams has finally spoken out over former fiancé Heath Ledger’s death, saying she is “heart-broken”.

The actress, mother to Ledger's two-year-old daughter Matilda, issued a short statement calling for the press to respect her and her family’s privacy.

Her statement reads, "My heart is broken. Please respect our need to grieve privately."

Ledger, who met Williams whilst starring in Brokeback Mountain together, split with the 27-year-old last year following a three-year relationship.

He was found dead in his New York apartment last week, although the official cause of death has yet to be ascertained.