Chanting “Michael! Michael!”, a crowd of hundreds gathered outside the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Centre as word spread of the death of their idol, the child star who became the biggest music performer since Elvis Presley.

Three news helicopters hovered overhead, as reporters and cameramen swelled the ranks of those mourning Michael Jackson’s death.

David Baker, 22, a college student, said he was asked to leave the hospital earlier while he waited for the result of a scan on a damaged knee. “It’s crazy huh? Michael’s a legend, the king of pop and this is really sad. No matter what his rep was he is still always going to be the best.”

Fans and onlookers gathered around the TV news reporters giving live updates to camera as they waited for official word of his death. Shouts of "We love you Michael!" went up from the crowd, many of whom were holding flowers or posters of Jackson. One man brought out an i-Pod with portable speakers, playing Jackson's song Man in the Mirror, while fans danced.

In a brief statement at the hospital, Jermaine Jackson, confirmed his brother’s death. “May our love be with you always Michael,” said Jermaine, who, along with Michael, was one of the Jackson Five.

“My brother, the legendary king of pop, Michael Jackson died on Thursday June 25 2009 at 2:26 pm [Pacific time]. It is believed he suffered cardiac arrest in his home. The cause of his death is unknown until the results of the autopsy,” he said, apparently close to tears.

“His personal physician, who was with him at the time, attempted to resuscitate my brother, as did the paramedics who transported him to Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Centre.

"Upon arrival at the hospital at approximately 1:14 p.m. a team of doctors, including emergency physicians and cardiologists, attempted to resuscitate him for a period of more than one hour. This was unsuccessful.

"Our family requests that the media please respect our privacy at this tough time.”

Media representatives were told by Michael Jackson’s agent, Dr Tohme Tohme, that Jermaine was the only spokesperson for the family.

Outside the hospital, Laurel Edelstein, 23, a hotel receptionist, wandered around in tears, clutching a Michael Jackson pillow.

"I was on the computer at work and saw the news. I am so sad. I just wanted to come down here. What else could I do?”

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