Sir Mick Jagger has been left "completely shocked and devastated" by the apparent suicide of his girlfriend L'Wren Scott, whose body has been discovered in a New York apartment.

The 49-year-old model and designer had been dating the Rolling Stones frontman since 2001 following his split from wife Jerry Hall.

She is understood to have been found this morning at a property in Manhattan.

A spokesman for Sir Mick said: "He is completely shocked and devastated by the news."

A spokeswoman for New York City Police Department said: "A 49-year-old female was found this morning at 10.05am at 200 11th Avenue. She was unconscious.

"She was pronounced dead on arrival by the emergency medical services. The investigation is ongoing. We are awaiting medical examiners to determine the cause of death."

It is understood that police do not suspect foul play.

The Rolling Stones had this afternoon flown to Australia ahead of a performance at the Perth Arena, in the west of the country, which had been scheduled to take place on Wednesday.

Two days ago they had played a show at the grand ballroom of Singapore's Marina Bay Sands, rounding off the Asian dates of their 14 On Fire tour.

Scott, a towering figure said to be 6ft 4ins tall, became a household name in Britain after she got together with Sir Mick.

She designed stage outfits for notable performances at Glastonbury Festival and Hyde Park in recent years. Sir Mick was there to support her when Scott showcased her collection in her debut London fashion show last year.

Fellow fashion designer Marc Jacobs tweeted: "Rest in peace, L'Wren Scott. You'll forever be missed."