Prince dead: Singer cremated in private family ceremony the day after his death

The musician was a Jehovah's Witness which required a funeral to take place within a week of his death

A tribute to the singer outside his Paisley Park home in Minneapolis (Getty Images)

Prince's body has been cremated in a private family ceremony.

The music superstar was pronounced dead at his Paisley Park estate near Minneapolis on Thursday morning after he was found collapsed in a lift.

He was cremated after his body was released to his family on Friday afternoon, following a post-mortem examination, his publicist confirmed.

Family and friends were pictured arriving at Paisley Park on Saturday, where it is believed a private memorial was held.

Publicist Anna Meacham said: "A few hours ago, Prince was celebrated by a small group of his most beloved: family, friends and his musicians, in a private, beautiful ceremony to say a loving goodbye."

Prince, 57, was a Jehovah's Witness which required a funeral to take place within a week of his death.

Percussionist Sheila E and bassist Larry Graham were among the mourners who attended the small service.

Thousands of fans have been flocking to Paisley Park and other sites made famous by Prince since his death.

A post-mortem examination has been carried on the US star's body but a cause of death may not be released for weeks.

Police are investigating whether foul play was involved after authorities said they had “no reason to believe” Prince killed himself and there were “no obvious signs of trauma” on his body.

Celebrity news website TMZ reported that the singer overdosed on a painkiller called Percocet six days before his death, forcing his private jet to make an emergency landing in Atlanta, Georgia.

PA