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Cops slam Winehouse overdose rumours

London - Police said it was inappropriate to speculate on the circumstances of Amy Winehouse's death on Saturday, following reports that the troubled British soul singer died of a drug overdose.

In a statement outside the singer's cordoned off north London home, where her body was found by the emergency services, a Metropolitan Police spokesperson confirmed her death and said a post-mortem was yet to take place.

Winehouse had well-publicised battles with drug and alcohol addictions and cancelled a European summer comeback tour after a wayward opening performance last month.

"Police were called by the London Ambulance Service to a house in Camden Square shortly before 16:05, following reports of a woman found deceased," Superintendent Raj Kohli told reporters.

"On arrival, officers found the body of a 27-year-old female who was pronounced dead at the scene. Next of kin have been informed, and I can confirm that the deceased is Amy Winehouse.

No arrests

"Enquiries continue into the circumstances of her death. At this early stage it is being treated as unexplained and there have been no arrests in connection with the incident.

"I am aware of reports suggesting this death is the result of a suspected drugs overdose, but I would like to re-emphasise that no post-mortem examination has yet taken place and it would be inappropriate to speculate on the cause of death.

"I would urge media to avoid speculation that might cause further distress to Ms Winehouse's family at this difficult time.

"The death of any person is a sad time for friends and family, particularly in the case of Amy Winehouse, someone very well-known nationally and internationally.

"My sympathy extends not just to her immediate family but to thousands of millions of fans across the world."

Urging respect for those grieving, he added: "Clearly there will be some floral tributes here and we will arrange so that people can easily lay those flowers."

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