Floral tributes to George Michael cleared from London home
Floral tributes left in memory of pop star George Michael following his sudden death last Christmas.
Thousands of bouquets of flowers have been left outside his Hampstead property over the past few weeks as fans flocked to say goodbye to the former Wham! singer.
But today they were seen being loaded into black bin bags, with dozens lined up full to the brim with plants and trinkets.
Michael, 53, was found dead at his Oxfordshire home on Christmas Day by his lover Fadi Fawaz, 43.
A clear-up operation has begun outside George Michael's home in Hampstead, London, pictured, where thousands of floral tributes were laid after his death
Many of the bouquets and trinkets left in his memory have been placed inside black bags, pictured, by cleaners today
Posters were placed on fences around his home following his death on Christmas Day, with hundreds of mourners gathering outside his home to remember the pop star. Now the area is being returned to normal, pictured
The cause of death remains unknown, with the investigation waiting on the results of toxicology tests that are due back later this month.
Celebrity hairdresser Mr Fawaz was quizzed by Thames Valley Police in January as they tried to piece together the last hours of the star’s life. But he has since been told he is not part of their investigation.
Mr Fawaz told them he spent Christmas Eve with the singer, but fell asleep in his car that night, only discovering he was dead when he went to wake him the following morning.
The delay in the test results means his family have still been unable to bury him as his body is yet to be released to them.
Michael, left, was found dead at his Oxfordshire home on Christmas Day by lover Fadi Fawaz, 43, right with the pop star
His death sparked mourning across the nation and led to a deluge of pictures and tributes, pictured, being placed outside his properties
Although the garden in Hampstead is being cleared away, pictured, his funeral can not be held until his body is released, with delays in toxicology tests stopping his family from burying him
Messages including 'You will always be loved' have been left for the singer, although they are sure to be taken away with the flowers
The toxicology tests, which were ordered at the end of December, will look at blood and tissue to establish whether any toxic substances contributed to Michael's death.
They cover prescription drugs, illegal drugs, alcohol and any other chemical substances which the toxicologist has been instructed to test for.
Tributes have poured in for the pop star from across the world, with fans previously holding vigils outside his Hampstead home and draping banners on gates and fences.
Meanwhile Mr Fawaz shared a self portrait shot to his social media on Tuesday, showing his face hidden by a single red rose.
He wrote alongside the eerie image: 'Unhappy Valentines Dead. Self-Portrait.'