Keith Flint of the Prodigy has died, aged just 49. According to a report on the BBC, the hyper-kinetic MC and dancer was found dead at his home in Dunmow, Essex earlier this morning.
Police said they were "called to concerns for the welfare of a man" just after 8am GMT this morning. In a statement, they said: "Sadly, a 49-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene. The death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner."
In a post on The Prodigy’s Instagram page, the group’s Liam Howlett wrote: "I can’t believe I’m saying this but our brother Keith took his own life over the weekend. I’m shell shocked, fucking angry, confused and heartbroken."
A further post on the group’s Twitter page added: "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."
Flint had recently returned to the UK from a tour of Australia and appeared on The Prodigy’s album No Tourists last year, which was released on their own Take Me To The Hospital label, an imprint of BMG.
He initially came to prominence as a dancer with The Prodigy, before going on to contribute vocals to their number 1 singles ‘Firestarter’ and ‘Breathe’, continuing as frontman and lead vocalist for the band since 1996.
In the UK, Samaritans can be contacted here or you can call on 116 123. Other suicide helplines around the world can be found here.