Stephen Gately died from natural causes, the postmortem result on his body has concluded.

A court official in Palma, Majorca said the Boyzone star suffered an acute pulmonary oedema, an accumulation of fluid on the lungs.

Samples have been sent to Barcelona so further tests can confirm this verdict, which could back up reports that Gately choked on his vomit.

After a brief court hearing, at which Andrew Cowles, Gately’s civil partner gave evidence, a judge said his body could be released to the family and taken home to Ireland so they can make funeral arrangements.

Gately, 33, was found dead on Saturday on the sofa in his luxury apartment in Port Andratx after a night out partying in Palma.

A court official said the investigation into his death will continue as a formality with Mr Cowles and one other person, believed to be Georgi Dochev, declared as official witnesses.

Gerald Kean, a lawyer acting on behalf of Gately’s, said papers have been signed to allow the release of his body, but it could take a couple of days.

He said: “The family’s only wish is to get their son and brother home as soon as possible.”