Pop superstar George Michael dies at the age of 53

The post-mortem examination into the cause of George Michael's death has proved "inconclusive and further tests will now be carried out", police have said.

The 53-year-old was found dead at his home in Goring-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, on Christmas Day.

The singer's publicist said his family and friends had been "touched beyond words" by the "incredible outpouring of love" from fans, adding there were no suspicious circumstances around his death.

Following the post-mortem which was carried out on Thursday, Thames Valley Police released a statement on Friday: "The cause of death is inconclusive and further tests will now be carried out.

"The results of these tests are unlikely to be known for several weeks.

"Thames Valley Police will prepare a file for the Oxfordshire Coroner. Mr Michael's death is still being treated as unexplained but not suspicious."

• Video report by ITV News Correspondent Angus Walker

George Michael's family have been "touched beyond words" as tributes continue to be left outside his house in north London.

ITV News Correspondent Angus Walker said: "Despite being a pop superstar under intense public scrutiny, it is now emerging he was a secret, generous philanthropist."

Among those to pay tribute was Childline founder Esther Rantzen.

She told ITV News: "He made it absolutely clear that he didn't want anyone to know that he was going to help us.

"Over the years, he not only gave us the royalties from Jesus To A Child - which is one of his most beautiful songs - but he also gave us millions of pounds."

She added: "He has helped hundreds of thousands of children."

George Michael's family have been "touched beyond words" by tributes to the late pop star.

The former Wham! singer's publicist described the wave of reaction to Michael's death on Christmas Day as an "incredible outpouring of love".

Among the tributes, people have attributed numerous acts of generosity and kindness to the 80s icon - such as donating thousands of pounds anonymously to charity.

On Tuesday, his publicist praised the "many, many kind words" and airplay given to Michael's hits since his death at the age of 53.

"For someone whose life was ultimately about his music and the love he had for his family and friends, his fans and the world at large, there could be no more fitting tribute than the many, many, kind words that have been said and the numerous plays his records have received," the statement said.

It added that there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death, reported to have been caused by heart failure.

George Michael's death on Christmas Day has sparked a surge in sales of his extensive back catalogue, according to latest chart data.

Ladies & Gentlemen is now number one in the iTunes album chart.

Three further entries covering Michael's solo career and work with boy band Wham! feature in the top 10.

Solo album Twenty Five is at number six, and Wham! records The Final and its deluxe edition feature at five and 10 respectively.

Careless Whisper, one of Michael's best known works, is at number 12 in the singles chart, but likely to move into the top 10 today.

George Michael's former partner Kenny Goss has said he is "heartbroken" about the death of his "dear friend and long-time love".

In a statement Goss added: "He was a major part of my life and I loved him very, very much.

"The beautiful memories and music he brought to the world will always be an important part of my life and those who also loved and admired him."

Goss said the pop superstar, who was was found dead on Christmas Day, was "an extremely kind and generous man".

Michael officially announced in 2011 that the 15-year relationship with Goss had ended, though he said they had split around two years prior.

Their relationship was revealed when Michael was forced to come out as gay after being arrested in California in 1998 for engaging in a lewd act.

Bob Geldof has paid tribute to the singer George Michael, who has died aged 53, from suspected heart failure.

He told ITV News: "George was great, clever and brilliantly talented. We had a lot of fun together."

Tributes have been left outside George Michael's home after the singer died from suspected heart failure.

The 53-year-old's death is being treated police as "unexplained but not suspicious".

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