Jackson body to be taken to public memorial

The body of Michael Jackson will be taken to the Staples Centre in Los Angeles ahead of today's public memorial service.

A spokesperson for the LAPD has confirmed that the star's casket will be brought to the public tribute following a private funeral at a nearby cemetery.

Friends and family of the singer are thought to have already begun gathering at the Forest Lawn cemetery in the Hollywood Hills, while the Rev Jesse Jackson has told BBC News that it will be a Jehovah's Witness service.

According to TMZ, the coffin will then be given a police escort from the private funeral to the Staples Centre, where thousands of fans have started to congregate in anticipation of the memorial.

It is also understood that plans to transport Jackson's body by helicopter are being finalised in the event of security concerns.