The body of Michael Jackson will not go on public or private display at Neverland, his family have said.

The decision contradicts earlier reports that fans would be able to pay their final respects to the singer at his former home.

In a statement issued through their new PR company, the family added that plans are underway for a public memorial the star.

These are expected to be announced later, the statement said.

On Tuesday it was claimed Jackson’s body would be returned to the Santa Barbra ranch from his family home Los Angeles – a journey of 130 miles – on Friday.

It would then be go on display until a private memorial service was held on Sunday, it was claimed.

But the Jackson’s family’s statement yesterday triggered widespread confusion over where the singer will now be buried.

To some, a return to Neverland, which became Jackson’s landmark home in 1987, had seemed inevitable.

Many fans had already begun to descend on the property expecting to be able to view the star’s body.

Workers, including gardeners, had also been seen arriving at the ranch throughout the day.