The Grammy-nominated frontman of Christian metalcore band As I Lay Dying has been arrested on suspicion of hiring an ex-policeman to kill his wife.

Tim Lambesis, 32, was arrested at a shop in Oceanside, Southern California yesterday according to a statement released by the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department.

He was detained on suspicion on hiring an undercover detective to murder his estranged wife Meggan, who is believed to have started legal proceedings for divorce last September.

Download the new Independent Premium app Sharing the full story, not just the headlines

Detectives said they averted an attempted hit on Meggan Lambesis, who lives in nearby Encinitas, after they received information last Thursday that Lambesis had solicited someone to kill his wife.

"The information came to us late last week. We acted quickly on it. I believe that we averted a great tragedy," San Diego County Sheriff's Department spokeswoman Jan Caldwell told Reuters.

The singer, with his trademark long hair and heavy tattoos, was arrested “without incident” at around 2pm.

Police say they immediately launched a task force combining expertise from several law enforcement agencies eventually leading to Lambesis’ arrest. The department declined to give further details on the investigation.

A spokesperson for Metal Blade, who represents As I Lay Dying, could not be reached for comment at press time. Attempts by journalists from agencies to knock on the door of Lambesis’ home in Del Mar, 20 miles north of San Diego, went unanswered.

The band formed in San Diego 13 years ago, releasing six albums including their most commercially successful 2007 LP, An Ocean Between Us, which reached No. 8 on the Billboard charts. A track from the album was nominated for a Grammy for top metal performance.

As I Lay Dying, whose title is taken from a William Faulkner novel, is a Christian rock band describing itself as “always has something thoughtful and positive to say while still playing a combustible, aggressive style of music”.

Their lyrics are “a faith-based twist on the positive words found in many emo, screamo, and metalcore songs”.

The band has been touring in Asia recently and is due to play several dates in America over the next six weeks according to their website.

Lambesis’ latest message on his official Twitter account was posted on Monday and reads: “Goodbye China. I’ll be home in about 15 hours.”