Alice In Chains have paid tribute to their former bassist Mike Starr, who has died at the age of 44.

Starr, who was a founding member of the band before his departure in 1993, was found dead at a house in Salt Lake City.

In a statement on their website, Alice In Chains said they were “mourning the loss of their friend and ask that the media respect their privacy”.

It added: “Their thoughts & prayers are with the Starr family.”

Police investigating Starr's death said there was no sign of foul play involved, although it is not clear who owned the house the bassist's body was found in.

Starr, who has had prior drug problems, appeared on US reality show Celebrity Rehab last year to help combat his addiction.

(by Jason Gregory)