Jacko 'flees death threats'

Michael Jackson will fly to Europe within days because he fears for his life, it was claimed last night.

He is getting ready to quit the US for good, according to TV reports.

Sources said the star had already fled his Neverland ranch in California and was staying at a Beverly Hills hotel.

The singer has hinted he would like to live in Britain and is being tipped to appear at next month's Live 8 concert, either in London or Philadelphia.

'Jackson is getting ready to head to Europe,' said reporter Roger Friedman, who claimed a Jackson insider told him: 'He fears for his life here.'

Meanwhile, Jackson's accuser was said to be 'very down' after the star was cleared of abusing him. Gavin Arvizo, 15, could not understand why the singer walked free, said prosecutor Tom Sneddon. However, Gavin was later seen flirting with girls at his school.

It emerged yesterday that sales of Jackson's greatest hits album, Number Ones, have risen by 370 per cent since he was acquitted.

However, fans and the media have mostly abandoned their vigil outside his Neverland home.