A man accused of breaking into Eminem's home told the US rapper he was there to "kill him",  a police officer has testified.

Eminem, whose real name is Marshall Mathers, awoke to find Matthew Hughes in his home in Clinton Township, Michigan, one day in April.

A judge found enough evidence to send Hughes to trial on charges of home invasion and malicious destruction of property.

Police officer Adam Hackstock told a court hearing on Wednesday the singer at first thought Hughes was his nephew.

He was not armed when he was discovered at the star's property.

Giving evidence, Mr Hackstock said: "When Mr Mathers asked him why he was there, he was told by Mr Hughes that he was there to kill him."

Eminem escorted Hughes out of the house, the officer continued.

Hughes' lawyer Richard Glanda said outside court: "In my opinion, I think there's some sort of mental issues involved here."

Eminem was not present at the court hearing.