THE shock death of Michael Jackson has sent local celebrities into overdrive, writing tributes all over the internet. The King of Pop died suddenly last night after a suspected heart attack at the age of 50. People across the world have flooded the internet w

THE shock death of Michael Jackson sent local celebrities into overdrive, writing tributes all over the internet.

The King of Pop died suddenly last night after a suspected heart attack at the age of 50.

People across the world have flooded the internet with tributes on social networking sites Facebook and Twitter.

In north London, high-profile figures from showbusiness clamoured to make their voices heard.

"Goodness. Michael Jackson. Poor old soul. Oh dear," wrote West Hampstead actor Stephen Fry on Twitter.

Jonathan Ross from Hampstead Garden Suburb wrote this morning: "Sad news about Jacko. I'll play an MJ track on the radio 2moz."

Belsize Park presenter Richard Bacon said he felt a shiver down his spine on hearing the news, while Belsize singer Chris Martin and his Coldplay bandmates said: "MJ was the best of the best. His music and performances made the world a brighter place. His light will shine on forever."

Caitlin Moran, the Crouch End columnist, was at Glastonbury but updated her Twitter site via mobile phone.

She said: "Glastonbury backstage bar: someone very sadly Moonwalking to Back In Black by Amy Winehouse. Incredibly confused."

Highgate operatic singer Katherine Jenkins made an unfortunate typing error: "Such sad news about Michael Jackson - I've always been a big fan and was really looking coward to seeing the show."

A twitterer who claims to be "David Miliband" from Primrose Hill has written: "Never has one soared so high and yet dived so low." The Foreign Office have denied the person is the Foreign Secretary.

Meanwhile former Marylebone resident Madonna - also a pop superstar - said: "I can't stop crying over the sad news. I have always admired Michael Jackson.

"The world has lost one of the greats, but his music will live on forever! My heart goes out to his three children and other members of his family. God bless.

Earlier this year Michael Jackson arrived in London to announce a 50-date residency at the 02 Arena in North Greenwich. Tickets sold out within minutes of them going on sale and it promised to be the biggest pop spectacle of the year. Fans are being told that refunds will be available.