MICHAEL JACKSON was killed by a cocktail of strong prescription drugs, Los Angeles’ County Coroner has sensationally ruled.

In an announcement made on Friday (28Aug09), Jackson’s death was ruled a homicide and blamed on the “acute” presence of the anaesthetic Propofol and anti-anxiety drug Lorazepam in his system.

The superstar had also taken Midazolam (Versed), Diazepam (Valium), Lidocaine (topical anaesthetic) and Ephedrine prior to his death on 25 June (09).

The full autopsy report has not been released.

The ruling looks set to kickstart a murder investigation, with the spotlight on Jackson’s personal physician Dr. Conrad Murray – who is accused to administering Propofol to help the star sleep the night before he died.