AKIPRESS.COM - Andrew Getty, the grandson of J Paul Getty and heir to the family fortune, has been found dead at home, his parents have confirmed.

Police said a man in his 40s was found dead at the Hollywood Hills home, but they have not confirmed his identity or established the cause of death, U.S. media report.

But a statement from Ann and Gordon Getty given to the Associated Press confirmed it was their 47-year-old son.

He was one of four sons, and his oil baron grandfather died in 1976.

Industrialist J Paul Getty founded the Getty Oil Company and was once named the richest living American by Fortune magazine.

Los Angeles police department's Jack Richter told reporters that officers went to the home shortly after 2:15pm local time (22:15 GMT) on Tuesday.

They found the body in the bathroom and interviewed a woman who was present.