A powerful sedative, commonly used ahead of operations, has been discovered at Michael Jackson’s home in Los Angeles, police have said.

Officials found the intravenous anesthetic Diprivan – also known as Propofol – during an extensive search in the wake of the star’s death.

The drug helps induce a patient into unconsciousness before surgery, according to the Associated Press.

Sky News claims other drugs were found during the searches at Jackson’s rented Holmby Hills home shortly after is death on June 25.

The apparent discoveries looks set to increase speculation about the singer’s reported drug use.

It has been widely claimed that the star was addicted to painkilling medication, including the drug Demerol.

A postmortem last week ruled that there had been no foul play or external trauma in Jackson’s death.

But the cause of death has been deferred while doctors await the results of toxicology tests, which could take up to six weeks.

Earlier this week, Jackson’s brother, Jermaine, said he would be “hurt” if tests showed the star had taken drugs.

Meanwhile, an announcement has been made this afternoon regarding Jackson’s public memorial.

(by Jason Gregory)