Pop star Michael Jackson on Thursday surrendered to the police, which had issued an arrest warrant against him on charges of child molestation.

"Michael Jackson was taken into custody at 1205 pm (0105 IST) at Santa Barbara airport. He is now being transferred to the main county jail to be processed and booked," Sheriff Jim Anderson was quoted as saying by a news agency.

Earlier, Jackson left North Las Vegas airport aboard a leased jet. The jet was carrying the star, his family and a bodyguard.

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Jackson's attorney Mark Geragos had confirmed the surrender was being arranged in Santa Barbara.

"I have made arrangements with the sheriff and the district attorney for Mr Jackson to come back and confront these charges," Geragos was quoted as telling a news agency.

His arrest warrant set bail at $3 million, and Jackson was directed to give up his passport, authorities said.

Agencies