Tight security for Michael Jackson memorial
Updated on 05 July 2009
Police in Los Angeles have warned fans without tickets to stay away from Michael Jackson's public memorial service on Tuesday.
The life and music of the King of Pop, who died of sudden cadiac arrest last Thursday, is to be celebrated at the Staples Center, a basketball arena in downtown LA.
More than half a million fans from around the world applied for the 17,500 free tickets to the service.
Assistant Police Chief, Jim McDonnell, said: "Anybody who does not hold proper credentials, tickets to get in to the event, will not be allowed inside that zone.
"So for those who are in town or those who live here who are thinking about coming out and maybe getting a shot to get in, that won't happen."
A wide area around the venue will be blocked off for the event. A local radio station reported that more than 1,400 officers from the Los Angeles Police Department alone have been asked to volunteer for duty on Monday and Tuesday.
The LAPD, which has about 9,000 officers in total, declined to comment on the report or to reveal a staffing number.
A Jackson family spokesman also declined to provide details of the memorial service, but said there would not be a funeral procession and Jackson's body would not be at the memorial.
Funeral arrangements have not been disclosed, but security has been beefed up at the Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills mortuary, where his body is believed to be held.
© Independent Television News Limited 2009. All rights reserved.
These news feeds are provided by an independent third party and Channel 4 is not responsible or liable to you for the same.
