Michael Jackson's death ruled as homicide

Michael Jackson fans were given a brief taste today of the glittering spectacle their late idol was planning at his string of axed shows. (Getty Images)

Michael Jackson's death has been ruled as homicide, the Los Angeles County Coroner said today in a move that could lead the way to criminal charges.

The King of Pop died as a result of "acute propofol intoxication", a release from the coroner's department revealed.

Earlier this week, court documents disclosed that Jackson's personal doctor, Dr Conrad Murray, administered propofol - a powerful sedative - just hours before the singer collapsed at his rented Los Angeles home.