Flagged up as an exclusive, lest those bastards at the South London Guardian get the story first.

News of superstar Michael Jackson’s tragic demise has stunned the world since it was announced.

And two Croydon girls who have more reason than most to be reeling are Channel Staple and Mary Noel, who joined the legendary showman onstage the last time he was ever to perform in the UK.

Today the pair, who both work as volunteers at a South Croydon events management company, said they were devastated about the star’s premature death.

Thanks to @Jackfaulkner.