Jackson told to confirm UK visit

The singer denies charges of child abuse

Singer Michael Jackson has been told to supply "documented confirmation" that he plans to visit the UK - or surrender his passport.

Mr Jackson, who is charged with child abuse in the US, received the demand from Tom Sneddon, district attorney for Santa Barbara county, in California.

Mr Sneddon said he wanted confirmation of the visit after reports that it had been cancelled by the pop star.

Mr Jackson's spokesman has said the trip to promote his new CD is still on.

Mr Sneddon made the demand on Monday in a faxed letter to Mr Jackson's lawyer, Mark Geragos.

Mr Geragos has said his client needs to visit Britain to fulfil contractual obligations related to his compilation CD, Number Ones.

Surprise

The Sun newspaper in the UK reported that Mr Jackson had pulled out of a planned Christmas tour, but spokesman Stuart Backerman said: "I'm not aware of any cancellation. He still is planning to go as far as I know."

At the weekend, UK Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott expressed surprise that Mr Jackson had been given permission to travel to the UK.

The singer's friend, magician Uri Geller has warned his not to travel to the UK because the media would "tear him apart".

Mr Jackson has denied charges of child abuse, calling them a "big lie".

Friends and family of the star recently gave their support at a party at his Neverland ranch in California.