JK Rowling apologises for killing off Snape on Battle of Hogwarts anniversary

The writer said sorry for the plot twist on the anniversary of the fictional Battle of Hogwarts, during which many characters were brutally killed

Over recent years she has apologised to fans for the bloodshed in the climactic May 2 battle between the good and evil witches and wizards in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

She wrote on Twitter: "In case the police are reading my notifications, there's a Battle of Hogwarts anniversary tradition going on. I am not on a murder spree.

"OK, here it is. Please don't start flame wars over it, but this year I'd like to apologise for killing (whispers)... Snape. *runs for cover*"

In 2015, she apologised for killing off Fred Weasley, one half of the Weasley twins, and in 2016 she expressed her remorse for the death of werewolf Lupin, who had just become a father to baby Teddy.

Last year Rowling confessed to crying over Lupin's death, writing: "Arthur lived, so Lupin had to die. I'm sorry. I didn't enjoy doing it. The only time my editor ever saw me cry was over the fate of Teddy."

Potions master Professor Snape was played in the Harry Potter films by Alan Rickman, who died in January 2016.

The character was a long-term nemesis for Potter and is one of the best loved characters in the series.