Hollywood actor Heath Ledger has been found dead in his New York apartment, according to the NYPD.

Early reports suggest his death may have been the result of a drugs overdose.

Police say Ledger was found by a maid who was wanting to tell him his masseuse had arrived for a pre-arranged appointment.

The actor was reportedly found naked in his bed by the maid and the masseuse with pills scattered across his body.

Paramedics attempted to perform CPR on the actor, however he was later pronounced dead at the scene.

The New York Times had reported that the apartment in Broome Street, Soho is owned by Mary-kate Olsen.

However, TMZ say a source has refuted this claim and the NYPD have confirmed that it was not owned by her.

They are also quoting a source who suggests that Ledger had a long running substance abuse problem but that he had been clean for a year.

Keep checking back for more on this developing story...