Mark Ronson has paid tribute to singer Amy Winehouse, who was found dead at her Camden flat on Saturday.

The DJ and producer, who collaborated with her on the 2007 song Valerie, was one of many celebrities to use Twitter to comment on the Jewish singer’s premature death.

He wrote: "She was my musical soulmate and like a sister to me.

"This is one of the saddest days of my life."

The star’s father Mitch Winehouse, also a musician, was in New York for a performance but cancelled his appearance to return to London.

Her spokesman said the Winehouse family would issue a statement when ready, but added: "Everyone involved with Amy is shocked and devastated. Our thoughts are with her family and friends."

The 27-year-old had had a well publicised battle with addiction during her career, but the Metropolitan Police cautioned against assuming that her death was due to drugs.

Superintendant Raj Kohli said: "Inquiries continue as to the circumstances of the death. At this early stage it is being treated as unexplained. There have been no arrests in connection with this incident.

"I am aware of reports suggesting that the death was a result of a suspected drug overdose, but I would like to re-emphasise that no post-mortem examination has yet taken place."

An autopsy is expected to take place within the next 24 hours.