Prodigy star Keith Flint found dead at home aged 49

The singer, famous for hit song Firestarter, was found dead at his home this morning after police were called to his property in Dunmow, Essex at around 8am following 'concerns for this welfare'.

Essex Police said a 49-year-old man had been found dead and that the death is not being treated as suspicious.

Keith Flint's death has been confirmed as suicide by his Prodigy bandmates.

In an Instagram post, best friend Liam Howlett wrote: "The news is true , I can’t believe I’m saying this but our brother Keith took his own life over the weekend.

"I’m shell shocked , f***** angry , confused and heart broken ..... r.i.p brother Liam #theprodigy ."

Read the star's obituary here.

An Essex Police spokeswoman said: "We were called to concerns for the welfare of a man at an address in Brook Hill, North End, just after 8.10am on Monday, March 4.

"We attended and, sadly, a 49-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin have been informed.

"The death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner."

An East of England Ambulance spokeswoman said: "We were called at 8.08am with reports of a man who was unconscious in Brook Hill, Dunmow.

"We sent an ambulance officer, Essex and Herts Air Ambulance and one ambulance. Sadly a man in his forties died at the scene."

Dogs could be heard barking outside the address in Essex police were called to, which is located down a rural track and hidden behind wooden gates.

Police at the scene asked media to respect the privacy of Flint's family and colleagues, who were believed to be inside.

Jane Addison, who lives nearby and walks her dogs along a track next to the property every day, said Flint's death was a "shock".

She said she found out he had died after her son sent her a link to an online news article on Monday morning.

Remembering Flint fondly as a "friendly" animal-lover, she said: "I don't know how many dogs he had, maybe eight-ish dogs, and he'd go round the fields on his quad, and when he wanted them to come back to him he'd shout 'eggs and bacon'."

She added: "He had lots of birds, canaries... in an aviary."

Asked what he was like when she bumped into him on her walks, she replied: "Friendly, very nice. Always raised a hand and said hello.

Ms Addison also recalled sitting in between Flint and her son three years ago at a local Christmas Eve church service.

"Much better voice than my son who's a rugby player and sitting between the two of them at Black Chapel at Christmas Eve was... my son bellowing and there's Keith with a tuneful voice."

Keith was best known as a vocalist and dancer for The Prodigy, that formed in 1990 along with Liam Howlett and Maxim.

They are best known for hit songs such as Out Of Space, Warrior's Dance, Omen, Voodoo People, Smack My B**** Up, Breathe, Firestarter and more.

Keith became one of the faces of Britpop in the 1990s thanks to his punk hairstyles and energetic performances.

The group last came to the Midlands on November 10 last year when they performed at Arena Birmingham with Ho99o9.

The band said in a statement: "It is with deepest shock and sadness that we can confirm the death of our brother and best friend Keith Flint.

"A true pioneer, innovator and legend.

"He will be forever missed.

"We thank you for respecting the privacy of all concerned at this time."

Wolverhampton singer Beverley Knight paid tribute to the music icon, writing: "I just heard, and I am heartbroken. Once the most innovative, fearless, ballsy bands to grace a stage and Keith was perfection up front.

"We have lost a Titan. #KeithFlint #Prodigy."

Sherlock actress Amanda Abbington was also among those paying tribute to Flint.

She tweeted: "Keith Flint. Horribly sad news. Thank you for The Prodigy. You'll be f***** missed."

Radio broadcaster Jo Whiley tweeted: "Oh this is sad news. The death of Keith Flint.

"Whenever our paths crossed he was an absolute sweetheart. Really lovely. Incredible iconic frontman with a soft centre. #RIPKeithFlint."

Ed Simons of The Chemical Brothers tweeted: "Oh gosh, so sad to hear about Keith Flint, he was always great fun to be around and very kind to Tom and I when we first started doing shows together.. great man."

A post from electronic music duo Chase and Status said: "Absolutely devastated to hear the tragic news that the legend Keith Flint from @the_prodigy has passed away.

"Our thoughts & condolences are with all his friends and family. We wouldn't be here if it wasn't for Keith and the life changing music they made and championed. RIP."