Newspaper publishes Ledger 'drugs' shots

A Sunday newspaper has published shots from a controversial video which shows Heath Ledger at a party where he allegedly used cocaine.

In the film, shot at the Chateau Marmont Hotel in Los Angeles two years ago, the late actor is apparently seen preparing to take the drug and after doing so. It is thought it does not show him using it.

Last week television shows in the US played clips from the footage as trailers but pulled out of showing it in full "out of respect for Heath Ledger's family".

It emerged following the 28-year-old's death on January 22. The cause is not yet known but police said prescription drugs were discovered near his body.

The News Of The World yesterday published a statement with the story and video on its website.

It said: "The News of the World has published the Heath Ledger video because we believe it reveals important new information about the circumstances surrounding his tragic death.

"The video also exposes the dangers of illegal drugs and therefore acts as a warning to others."

It also reported claims Ledger was himself keenly using the cocaine at the party. A source is quoted as saying: "The cocaine was all piled up there in front of him. And he wasn't going to give in until it had run out."