A women's blouse, which appears to be covered in blood, was found in Michael Jackson's home shortly after his death, it's been claimed.

A photograph of the item of clothing, which still had a $3.99 price tag attached, was published in today's Sun newspaper.

The top was apparently not taken from the Los Angeles house by police investigating the singer's death.

"It's pretty extraordinary that a bloody shirt would not be taken as evidence,” US lawyer Craig Silverman said.

When asked why the blouse had not been taken, a Los Angeles police spokesman said: "I don't know why."

The spokesman would not comment further on the picture, which formed part of a set of photographs allegedly taken in the days after Jackson's death.

Another apparently showed the bed where Jackson's doctor, Conrad Murry, attempted to revive the singer on June 25.

The investigation into Jackson's death has come to focus on the star's alleged addiction to prescription medication.

(by Jason Gregory)