My Chemical Romance announce split after 12 years

US rockers My Chemical Romance have announced they are splitting up.

The New Jersey group formed in 2001 and have released four albums together.

They posted a message on their website which said: "Being in this band for the past 12 years has been a true blessing.

"We've gotten to go places we never knew we would.

"We've been able to see and experience things we never imagined possible."

The message continued: "We've shared the stage with people we admire, people we look up to, and best of all, our friends.

"And now, like all great things, it has come time for it to end.

"Thanks for all of your support, and for being part of the adventure."

Frontman Gerard Way also tweeted: "Beyond any sadness, what I feel the most is pride."

The band's 2005 record The Black Parade reached number two in the UK album chart and the accompanying track Welcome to the Black Parade made it to number one in the singles chart.

In 2011 the group played Radio 1's Big Weekend in Carlisle, and headlined Reading and Leeds festivals where they were joined on stage by Queen guitarist Brian May.

Later in the year, they sacked their drummer Michael Pedicone, after accusing him of stealing from them.

He later admitted to making a "tremendous mistake".