The music world has been paying tribute to singer Amy Winehouse, 27, who has been found dead at her London home.

A press release from Metropolitan Police does not specify Winehouse by name, but reads: “Police were called by London Ambulance Service to an address in Camden Square NW1 shortly before 16.05 hours today, Saturday 23 July, following reports of a woman found deceased. On arrival officers found the body of a 27-year-old female who was pronounced dead at the scene. Inquiries continue into the circumstances of death. At this early stage it is being treated as unexplained.”

Her former producer Mark Ronson said: “She was my musical soulmate and like a sister to me. This is one of the saddest days of my life.”

Comedian and actor Russell Brand posted a statement on his website, saying: “We have lost a beautiful and talented woman.”

Police said the cause of Winehouse’s death was as yet unexplained.

The Brit and Grammy award-winner had struggled with drink and drug addiction and had recently spent time in rehab.

A statement from the Winehouse family said: “Our family has been left bereft by the loss of Amy, a wonderful daughter, sister, niece.

“She leaves a gaping hole in our lives. We are coming together to remember her and we would appreciate some privacy and space at this terrible time.”

Brand, who has also struggled with drug addiction in the past, described one of the first times he saw her perform.

“Entering the space I saw Amy on stage with [Paul] Weller and his band; and then the awe. The awe that envelops when witnessing a genius,” he said.

At the time he met Winehouse, Brand had not yet completely dropped taking drugs and he said the pair of them “shared an affliction, the disease of addiction”.

Winehouse canceled her European tour last month, and has long struggled with substance abuse. The singer danced with Bromfield and encouraged the audience to buy her album in the impromptu appearance.

On Saturday night Bromfield took to the stage at a festival in Pontypridd in Wales, just two hours after news broke of the singer’s death.

It had been reported that Winehouse died of a drugs overdose but police spokesman Superintendent Raj Kohli said “it would be inappropriate to speculate on the cause of death.”

He added: “My sympathy extends not just to her immediate family but clearly to the thousands and millions of fans across the world.”

In the hours following her death, Winehouse’s American record label, Universal Republic, said in a statement: “We are deeply saddened at the sudden loss of such a gifted musician, artist and performer. Our prayers go out to Amy’s family, friends and fans at this difficult time.”