Singer Tom Petty is clinging to life in hospital with his family due to switch off his life support, according to the latest reports.

The rocker was rushed to hospital when he was found unconscious after a cardiac arrest last night, TMZ first revealed.

The Los Angeles Police Department later confirmed to CBS and Variety that his life support had been switched turned off.

However, the LAPD has since backtracked, saying it 'inadvertently' provided the information but had 'no information.'

TMZ say a chaplain has been called to his room at UCLA Santa Monica Hospital and the family has a do not resuscitate order in place. He is not expected to live much longer but has not yet died it added.

The Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers frontman wasn't breathing when he was found on Sunday night.

(Image: PA)

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

Paramedics are said to have rushed to the star's Malibu home, but were unable to find a pulse.

It was reported that the star had no brain activity and that a decision was being made to take him off life support.

Petty first burst onto the music scene in the 1976 with his group, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.

(Image: Publicity Picture)

The band scored a string of hits over several decades, including “American Girl,” “Free Falin’,” “Refugee” and “I Won’t Back Down.”

He was also a member of the supergroup collective the Traveling Wilburys in the late ’80s alongside Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Roy Orbison and Jeff Lynne.

Last Monday, Petty concluded his extensive recent tour - which kicked off on April - at the Hollywood Bowl.

In December he admitted to Rolling Stone that the trek, done to honour the 40th anniversary of the Heartbreakers’ debut, would likely be “the last big one.”

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

(Image: PA)

“We’re all on the backside of our 60s,” he continued. “I have a granddaughter now I’d like to see as much as I can. I don’t want to spend my life on the road.

"This tour will take me away for four months. With a little kid, that’s a lot of time.”

Representatives at Petty's management company and record label did not return requests by Reuters for confirmation.

Separately, Mirror Online has contacted Petty's representatives for comment.

After news of his death broke, people rushed to pay tribute on social media.

Actress and singer Juliette Lewis shared a picture of the band on stage.

She wrote: "THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH. #TomPetty honored to have shared your very last show on this earth. #freefalling #RIPTomPetty"

Musician Paul Stanley added: "No! We have lost Tom Petty. From our opening act in the seventies to becoming a brilliant songwriter and performer I have loved his music."

(Image: Getty)

And musician and actor Stevie Van Zandt added: "Man this cannot be happening. Not Tom Petty please. Our deepest love and condolences to his family and band. A brother and true believer."

Legendary singer Meat Loaf paid tribute, saying: "Today Just gets worse . The very talented musician , writer Tom Petty has just passed away . Another great has left us but he left us with amazing memories and his love of his music and his fans will live on in the Hearts of those that knew him and those that loved him . Our prayers go out to Tom and his family ."

Sheryl Crowd said: "This is unbearable. Vegas and now a great music hero has passed. You brought us so much joy, @tompetty. We will miss you. #RIPTomPetty"