RIP Robin Hardy, director of 'The Wicker Man'

London: English author and director Robin Hardy, who made his name with his directorial debut 'The Wicker Man,' has died at the age of 86.

Hailed by critics as the "Citizen Kane of horror movies," the 1973 film that starred late Sir Christopher Lee follows the unnerving story of a police officer as he investigates the disappearance of a missing girl on a remote Scottish island, reports the Independent.

Hardy also directed the sequel film 'The Wicker Tree' and the 1986 film 'The Fantasist.'

After learning of his death, the English director Edgar Wright, paid tribute to the late filmmaker's most famous work, writing "R.I.P Robin Hardy, director of hugely influential horror 'The Wicker Man'. There would be no 'Hot Fuzz' without it."

Fans have been taking to Twitter to voice their sadness at the demise of the director, with one writing, "Thank you Robin Hardy for making my favourite film, introducing me to twisted folk music & for Christopher Lee."

Another twitterer wrote, "RIP Robin Hardy...even he had to keep his appointment with the Wicker Man."