LIMA, Peru - Former President of Peru Alan Garcia who was in a coma in a hospital in the capital Lima, after he shot himself early on Wednesday has since died.

Police had arrived at the former leader's Lima home at 6:30am in order to arrest him over bribery allegations. Before officers had a chance to arrest him, Mr Garcia took a gun from his bedroom and shot himself.

He was rushed to the emergency ward of the Casimiro Ulloa Hospital in Lima where he underwent emergency surgey. His condition at the time was described by his attorney as 'delicate.' Following surgery, it is understood the 69-year old went into a coma. However he has since passed away. 

"Devastated by the death of former President Alan Garcia, I send my condolences to his family and loved ones," President Vizcarra posted on Twitter later on  Wednesday.

The former president's family and supporters and his attorney Erasmo Reyna have reportedly gathered at the hospital.

"Right now he’s being operated on. Let’s pray to God to give him strength," Reyna told local media at the hospital prior to his death. 

Garcia ruled Peru for two terms, one between 1985 and 1990, and the other from 2006 to 2011.

Most recently his name surfaced in a major corruption scandal engulfing one of brazil's biggest building companies Odebrecht.

Odebrecht has admitted it secured a number of construction contracts in Latin America by paying bribes.

Mr Garcia is alleged to have been involved. He has consistently denied taking brikes and of any wrongdoing.

The former leader had been unable to leave Peru as his travel hasdbeen restricted because of the investigation.

In 2018 he sought political asylum from Uruguay, but his application was refused.

(File photo).