George Michael dies 'of heart failure' at his Oxfordshire home aged just 53 as heartbroken Wham! bandmate Andrew Ridgeley pays tribute to 'my beloved friend Yog' and fans mourn legend's death

Pictures were taken of George Michael dining with friends at an Oxfordshire restaurant in September this year. This is believed to be the last time the musician was photographed

Pop superstar George Michael has been found dead at his home in Oxfordshire aged 53.

The singer - who rose to fame with band Wham! before selling more than 100million records during his solo career - 'passed away peacefully' at his property in Goring at shortly before 2pm yesterday.

Michael's former manager Michael Lippman claimed he had died in bed as a result of 'heart failure'. His Wham! bandmate Andrew Ridgeley and close friend Elton John have lead the tributes to the star on social media.

Posting on Twitter, musician Ridgeley wrote: 'Heartbroken at the loss of my beloved friend Yog. Me, his loved ones, his friends, the world of music, the world at large. 4ever loved. A xx'

Meanwhile Elton John posted a heartfelt message along with a picture of the pair together on his Instagram page.

He wrote: 'I am in deep shock. I have lost a beloved friend - the kindest, most generous soul and a brilliant artist. My heart goes out to his family and all of his fans. @GeorgeMichael #RIP.'

Thames Valley Police said officers were called to a property in Goring-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, shortly before 2pm on Christmas Day.

A spokesman said: 'Sadly, a 53-year-old man was confirmed deceased at the scene. At this stage the death is being treated as unexplained but not suspicious.'