Prodigy frontman Keith Flint dies aged 49

Keith Flint, the frontman of British techno band The Prodigy, has died aged 49 having reportedly killed himself at home. 

Police confirmed that a man aged 49 was found dead at a home in Essex at 8.10am on Monday morning. The band, confirming his death, described  Flint as a pioneer, an innovator and a legend. 

In a statement, the group said: "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's bandmate and fellow founding member Liam Howlett said he was "shell-shocked, angry, confused and heartbroken" after finding out the news, adding that "our brother Keith took his own life over the weekend".

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. pic.twitter.com/nQ3Ictjj7t

— The Prodigy (@the_prodigy) March 4, 2019

An Essex Police spokesman 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."

The Prodigy enjoyed hits with their tracks Firestarter and Breathe and were known for their fusion of techno, breakbeat and acid house, forged in the UK's illegal rave scene, and their anti-establishment stance.

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."

Flint was a founding member of the band, having initially started as a dancer when the group formed in Essex back in 1990. 

He eventually took on the vocals, and was famed for wild performances with matching, colourful mohawks either side of his head. 

Flint was the frontman for The Prodigy's biggest hit Firestarter, which was the first single released from the band's third album - The Fat Of The Land.