Harrison did not die at McCartney home

Harrison was cremated before his death was announced

Sir Paul McCartney has denied reports his former Beatles bandmate George Harrison died at a house he owned in California.

A Los Angeles television station claimed Sir Paul had given his friend the use of his secluded home in the final days of his life.

But Sir Paul's spokesman insisted it was impossible because the singer did not even own a house in California.

Since Harrison's death from cancer on 29 November there has been much speculation surrounding his final hours.

The fact is that Paul McCartney does not own a home in the state of California, never mind Beverly Hills

Paul McCartney's spokesman

UPN News 13 reported Sir Paul bought a gated home in Beverly Hills from Courtney Love six months ago.

It said he visited Harrison two weeks before his death and offered him the use of the house as it was near the UCLA Medical Center where he was receiving last-ditch treatment.

But spokesman Paul Freundlich said the report was "complete and utter fiction".

Paul McCartney and George Harrison remained friends after the Beatles split

He added: "The fact is that Paul McCartney does not own a home in the state of California, never mind Beverly Hills."

Mr Freundlich confirmed Sir Paul had rented a house in California to use while recording tracks for his new album Driving Rain earlier in the year, but had never offered any home, rented or bought, to Harrison.

No action

In the immediate wake of Harrison's death it was said the 58-year-old had passed away at the home of his friend and security consultant Gavin de Becker.

But the official death certificate cited an address not listed.

Los Angeles police are not taking action over the flaw, saying it is not the first time a celebrity had used a false address to prevent a media circus intruding into family grief.

But lawyer Gloria Allred is unsatisfied with the explanation and has lodged a complaint with the police on the grounds that the "integrity of public records is at stake."

Police said it was not a crime to list a false address as long as there was no intent to defraud.