Cause of Jackson's death 'may take weeks'

The cause of Michael Jackson’s death may not be known for weeks, investigators said today.

Los Angeles County Coroner Jerry McKibben said although an autopsy was being held today results were not likely to be final until toxicology tests could be completed, a process that could take several days and maybe weeks.

However if a cause can be determined by the autopsy, the results will be announced, Mr McKibben said.

Police said they were investigating, standard procedure in high-profile cases.

“It is believed he suffered cardiac arrest in his home. However, the cause of his death is unknown until results of the autopsy are known,” his brother Jermaine said.

Cardiac arrest is an abnormal heart rhythm that stops the heart from pumping blood to the body. It can occur after a heart attack or be caused by other heart problems.