Actor Seymour Hoffman ‘had 70 bags of heroin’ at home

The Oscar-winning star, 46, was found dead at his Greenwich Village home on Sunday with a syringe in his arm.

A post-mortem examination is expected to be carried out on Monday. Police suspect Hoffman died of an overdose.

The lights along theatre marquees on New York's Broadway were to be dimmed on Wednesday in honour of Hoffman.

The actor earned three Tony award nominations for his work in New York theatre.

Hoffman is survived by his partner Mimi O'Donnell and their three children. In a statement, his family said: "We are devastated by the loss of our beloved Phil."

Julia Bolcer, a spokeswoman for the New York City Medical Examiner, said she was unsure when the results of Monday's post-mortem examination, or autopsy, would be available.

"Sometimes we have to perform additional testing," she said.

The post-mortem examination could explain how Hoffman died apparently soon after injecting suspected heroin.

Among the drugs found in Hoffman's apartment were several packets stamped with the ace of hearts, as well as the ace of spades, authorities say.

Both are said to be brand names for heroin which street dealers employ.

Robert De Niro was among fellow actors who expressed their sorrow on Monday, describing Hoffman as "a wonderful actor".