‘Singer George Michael (53) has died’

British Singer George Michael has died at the age of 53.

His publicist broke the news in a statement issued and George Michael is said to have  “passed away peacefully at home.”

The statement said: “It is with great sadness that we can confirm our beloved son, brother and friend George passed away peacefully at home over the Christmas period.

“The family would ask that their privacy be respected at this difficult and emotional time.

“There will be no further comment at this stage.”

Thames Valley Police said South Central Ambulance Service attended a property in Goring in Oxfordshire at 13:42 GMT.

Police say there were no suspicious circumstances.

The star launched his career with Wham! in the 1980s and later continued his success as a solo performer.

Michael, who was born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou in north London, sold more than 100m albums throughout a career spanning almost four decades. Bulawayo24-source – BBC