Singer Tom Petty confirmed dead – hours after police apologise for prematurely announcing it

US singer Tom Petty has died at the age of 66.

A statement on the singer’s Twitter page said: “On behalf of the Tom Petty family, we are devastated to announce the untimely death of our father, husband, brother, leader and friend, Tom Petty.”

It went on: “He suffered cardiac arrest at his home in Malibu in the early hours of this morning and was taken to UCLA Medical Centre but could not be revived.”

Tony Dimitriades, manager of Tom Petty And the Heartbreakers, added in the statement that he died peacefully surrounded by family, his bandmates and friends.

The rock star was known for hits such as Free Fallin’, Refugee and American Girl. His worldwide sales topped 80 million records and the band recently finished a 40th anniversary tour at the Hollywood Bowl.

Actor Kiefer Sutherland was among the stars to pay tribute.

He said on Twitter: “Today America lost one of its musical giants. Thanks you Tom Petty for all the music. To me you will live forever.”

News of the star’s death had been circulating prior to the statement. Confusion arose when CBS published Petty’s obituary after tweeting that the LAPD had confirmed his death.

The LAPD issued a statement saying it had no information on Petty’s condition and that “initial information was inadvertently provided to some media sources”.

But hours later a statement was released confirming his death.

Singer Ryan Adams said: “Safe passage to the summerlands, brother. You couldn’t have left more dreams here for us. Thank you. RIP.”