Madonna's former home burns down

Madonna turns 50 and launches her world tour in August

Pop star Madonna's childhood home in Detroit has been destroyed in a suspected arson attack.

Fire Chief Ron Crowell told local reporters it was likely the fire started in the living room area and spread, causing extensive damage.

A passer-by noticed flames coming out of the unoccupied house in the Detroit suburb of Rochester Hills on Friday.

Madonna, 49, spent some of her younger years living in the two-storey brick house, along with her five siblings.

The star, who turns 50 next month, kicks off her 27-date world tour in Cardiff on 23 August.

The Sticky and Sweet tour will start at the Millennium Stadium, winding up in Miami on 26 November.