Jackson's death 'homicide' claim

The inquiry into Michael Jackson's death took a dramatic turn this afternoon with police now treating it as a possible homicide.

The claim was made by the website TMZ.com, which broke the news of the singer's death.

According to Sky News, the pop icon's family have spoken of "unanswered questions" concerning the role of doctor Conrad Murray in the final hours of Jackson's life.

Dr Murray was Jackson's personal doctor and was to join the star for the duration of his London comeback tour.

He is known to have administered the powerful sedative Diprivan to Jackson and was with him when he passed away.

The 51-year-old cardiologist's lawyers insist he has been cleared of any wrongdoing.

TMZ.com said "the evidence points to the anesthesia Propofol as the primary cause of Jackson's death".

Law enforcement sources told the entertainment website there was already "plenty of powerful evidence" pointing to Dr Murray.