A high-resolution picture of Michael Jackson's body, apparently taken during his autopsy, has been offered to TV executives, it's been reported.

The image is said to show the late singer's head, with his eyes wide open, on a metal autopsy table.

A description of the photograph on The Daily Beast says Jackson's “face is stripped of any makeup” and his “tattooed eyebrows are the only other visible mark”.

According to the website, the picture is currently in the hands of a Los Angeles restaurant owner, who has shown it to local TV executives.

He apparently told one executive that the photograph had been given to him by “high-ranking police friend”.

LA Coroner's Office chief Ed Winter told the Daily Beast he had heard rumours that an autopsy photograph may have leaked but had been unable to track one down.

He refused to comment on any aspect of the autopsy, but said if he saw a copy of the photograph he would be able to tell if it was authentic.

If real, the leaked picture would likely prompt an “internal investigation here” and a possible police enquiry, he added.

A post-mortem on Jackson's body was carried out on June 26 – a day after his sudden death at the age of 50.

Details about the autopsy have yet to officially be revealed, although the singer's death has been ruled homicide.

(by Jason Gregory)