The Prodigy’s Keith Flint has died aged 49. The drum ‘n’ bass musician was one of the most colourful characters in the British dance-music scene in the ’90s and was best known as the voice and icon image behind the Prodigy’s epic hit single Firestarter. Flint was found dead in his home in Essex this morning.

An Essex Police spokesman said: “We were called to concerns for the welfare of a man at just after 8.10am on Monday. We attended and, sadly, a 49-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin have been informed.”

A statement from the band confirmed the singer’s death earlier this morning: “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.”

Liam Howlett, later confirmed on instagram that Flint’s death was a suicide. “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, fuckin angry, confused and heart broken ….. r.i.p brother Liam”.