Grange Hill's Benny Green dead: Terry Sue-Patt found at home Published duration 23 May 2015

image caption Terry Sue-Patt, right, appeared in the series with Tucker, played by Todd Carty

Former child actor Terry Sue-Patt, who played Benny Green in the children's TV series Grange Hill, has been found dead in east London.

The British actor appeared in the programme between 1978 and 1982.

Scotland Yard said officers forced their way into a Northcote Road flat in Walthamstow on Friday where the body of a man in his 50s was found.

Former colleagues in Grange Hill and numerous others took to Twitter to pay tribute to the actor.

image caption Grange Hill ran for 30 years between 1978 and 2008

Erkan Mustafa, who played Roland Browning in the TV series, tweeted : "Rip terry sue patt aka #bennygreen#grangehill legend you will be missed by true friends".

tweet from actor Lee MacDonald, who played Zammo Maguire, said: "R.I.P Terry Sue-Patt the memories of our times together will never be forgotten! Love you FOREVER Xxxxxxxxxxxx."

The Met Police said it was called to the flat at 13:45 BST after concerns had been raised about the welfare of its occupant and officers "forced entry".

A spokesperson said the death was not believed to be suspicious and next of kin had been informed.

image caption Although popular with children, some of the unruly behaviour in Grange Hill led to complaints from parents

The TV series, created by Phil Redmond, ran for 30 years between 1978 and 2008.

Originally set in the fictional north London borough of Northam, it later moved to Liverpool.

The series was considered controversial by some parents who complained about storylines including teenage pregnancy and racism.

A story about drug-taking led to the Just Say No campaign and a top 10 single.