Samaritans help for Jackson fans

A fan breaks down at a memorial for Jackson in Tokyo

The Samaritans have asked celebrity news websites and fan sites to publish its telephone number in the wake of Michael Jackson's sudden death.

The charity, which offers support for those in emotional distress, said some fans may need someone to talk to.

"We are aware that some people might be distressed... Samaritans are there for them," said Nicola Peckett, spokeswoman for the UK and Ireland helpline.

A similar message was sent out to fans when Take That split up in 1996.

Tributes laid

"Michael obviously had a huge impact on the lives of many fans and the death of someone in the public eye can have a profound affect on people emotionally," read the message sent by the organisation to media outlets.

The charity has 17,000 trained volunteers in over 200 branches across the UK and Ireland.

Hundreds of people rushed to UCLA Medical Centre in Los Angeles as reports began emerging of Jackson's death on Thursday.

Since then, thousands of fans have thronged to various sites around the world to lay tributes to the star.

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