Samaritans offer support for Jackson fans

Samaritans has opened its phone lines to Michael Jackson fans in emotional distress.

The British charity, which typically offers support for anyone at risk of suicide or suffering from depression, claimed that the popstar's death will have had a "huge impact" on his followers.

"Michael obviously had a huge impact on the lives of many fans and the death of someone in the public eye can have a profound affect on people emotionally," a spokesperson told DS.

"If you are in emotional distress you can contact Samaritans for confidential, non-judgemental support 24/7 by telephone on the national helpline number 08457 90 90 90."

Jackson passed away, aged 50, at UCLA Medical Centre yesterday after suffering a heart attack.