Heath Ledger was found dead in his New York Manhattan home approx 8.30pm GMT tonight.

Police say that the Hollywood stars death could be drug related as drugs, believed to be sleeping pills, were found on his bed in his room.

Heath Ledger wasn't known as one of the hell raisers in Hollywood, which makes this death more shocking. He had a fantastic career and at only 28 had so much more to give.

A police spokesman said that a maid had found him when going to inform him that a masseuse had arrived.

The medical examiner's office said an autopsy would be carried out on Wednesday.

In September the Perth-born actor split from his girlfriend Michelle Williams, with whom he has a two-year-old daughter, Matilda.

Heath Ledger had most recently finished filming his role as The Joker in the new Batman Begins film due for release later this year.

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