Phil Spector is to argue that the fatal shooting of an actress at his home was accidental, a friend of the music producer has said.

Marvin Mitchelson, a prominent Los Angeles solicitor, said he was "100% certain" that Lana Clarkson was not murdered.

Mr Mitchelson, a friend of Mr Spector for about 12 years, said: "I believe his defence will be that this was a tragic accident."

Mr Spector, 62, was arrested on suspicion of first-degree murder after Ms Clarkson, 40, was found dead at his Los Angeles home on 3 February.

Ms Clarkson died of a gunshot to the face

She had been killed by a gunshot to the face, according to coroners.

Mr Spector, famous for his Wall of Sound production technique, has been released on $1m (�625,000) bail as he awaits formal charges.

Mr Mitchelson said he could not provide details of how an accidental shooting might have happened.

But he said: "I've spoken with various individuals connected with the case, and I'm 100% certain it's not a homicide."

He said he had not spoken directly with Mr Spector since his arrest at his $1.1m (�670,000) home in the Los Angeles suburb of Alhambra.

Mr Spector was arrested on suspicion of murder

Mr Spector's lawyer, Robert Shapiro, who once represented former football star O J Simpson, has refused to discuss the case publicly.

Dan Rosenberg, of Los Angeles County Sheriff's department, said the department had decided not to comment on the investigation.

He said: "Our role is to complete a very comprehensive, unbiased investigation.

"We know that he (Mr Spector) will be going to trial, and we don't want to taint the jury pool. We want to give Mr Spector the opportunity to have a fair trial."