The Prodigy frontman Keith Flint has died aged 49.

In a message on the band's Instagram page, bandmate Liam Howlett said: "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."

The star, famous for hits with the band including Firestarter, Breathe and Out Of Space, was found on Monday morning at his home in Essex.

:: Keith Flint: The life of a firestarter

Image: Keith Flint has died, aged 49

Image: Police officers were seen outside Flint's home on Monday

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."

Image: Flint was always recognisable for his spiked hair

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."

Keith Flint pokes fun at award ceremonies

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.

"Sadly a man in his 40s died at the scene."

Image: Flint celebrating with Noel Gallagher at the Q Awards in 2005

The Prodigy emerged from the underground rave scene of the early 1990s, hitting the top 10 with singles including Charly, Out Of Space, No Good (Start The Dance) and Poison from their first two albums, Experience and Music For The Jilted Generation.

Flint, who was always instantly recognisable for his spiked hair and unique style, was initially a dancer with the band before moving to sing on Firestarter and Breathe - the singles from their third album, The Fat Of The Land, which propelled them into the mainstream.

Both the singles and the album topped the charts, achieving multi-platinum sales.

Image: Flint was also a speedway bike racer

Six of their seven albums reached number one, with their last, No Tourists, released in November last year. They are estimated to have sold about 30 million records across the world.

The band had been due to tour the US in May.

Emily Eavis, co-organiser of Glastonbury Festival, posted to reveal The Prodigy had been due to play this year's festival.

"We are so saddened to hear the news about the passing of Keith Flint," she said.

The Prodigy star's passion for motorcycle racing

"He's played here so many times over the years with the Prodigy and was booked to play this year. What an incredible frontman, he gave us all so much life and energy," she added.

The Chemical Brothers' Ed Simons, was among those paying tribute, tweeting: "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."

Image: Flint with Prodigy band members Maxim and Liam Howlett in 2005

Image: The Prodigy were famous for hits including Breathe, Firestarter and Poison

Electronic music duo Chase and Status, who have shared festival bills with The Prodigy, tweeted: "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."

Former Oasis guitarist Paul Arthurs - known as Bonehead - wrote on Twitter: "RIP Keith. Burn bright up there."

Meanwhile, Led Zeppelin musician Jimmy Page posted a photo on Instagram of Flint, with the caption: "Very sad news today. R. I. P. Keith Flint of Prodigy."

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. — ed simons (@eddychemical) March 4, 2019

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 💔 — Chase & Status (@chaseandstatus) March 4, 2019

RIP Keith. Burn bright up there. X — Paul Arthurs. (@BoneheadsPage) March 4, 2019

:: Anyone experiencing difficulties can contact Samaritans UK on 116 123, or by emailing jo@samaritans.org