Tributes pour in for Michael Jackson (From Chorley Citizen)

Tributes pour in for Michael Jackson

9:38am Friday 26th June 2009 in

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TRIBUTES have flooded in from across the UK for pop legend Michael Jackson.

London-based singer Madonna said in a statement on the BBC website: "I can't stop crying over the sad news. I've always admired Michael Jackson - the world has lost one of its greats but his music will live on forever.

"My heart goes out to his three children and other members of his family. God bless."

Family friend Mark Lester described him as "a very sweet, kind and loving man".

The former child star, who is godfather to Jackson's children, said they first met more than 30 years ago.

He said: "The last time we saw him he was in London a few weeks ago.

"He was absolutely fine. I can't believe this, it's such a shock."

Friend and psychic Uri Geller said from his home in Sonning, Berkshire: "I'm shocked and devastated. I am hoping this is a dream I will wake up from, but it is not. Michael is dead. For him not to be around, that he's gone, is just surreal. It cannot sink into my psyche. He was a genius."

He said he feared it may have been the "stress" of Jackson's planned comeback tour that killed him.

Matt Blank, from the Michael Jackson World Network fan club, told BBC News 24 he was "a bit dumbfounded and a bit shellshocked by it all".

He added: "I find it hard to believe this could be a reality.

"In the past, health issues of Michael Jackson have always been rumoured.

"I can only imagine this is down to the amount of stress he was under to come out and perform."