Tributes to Prodigy star Keith Flint found dead aged 49

Tributes have been paid to Prodigy frontman Keith Flint who was found dead at his home in Essex.

The 49 year old was hailed as a "true pioneer, innovator and legend" by hisProdigy bandmates.

The musician was found dead at his home near Braintree this morning (Monday 4th March). The death is not being treated as suspicious.

Bandmate Liam Howlett claimed in a post on the band's official Instagram that "our brother Keith took his own life over the weekend".

He said: "I'm shell shocked, f***** angry, confused and heart broken ..... r.i.p brother Liam."

Howlett and fellow bandmate Maxim said in a statement: "It is with deepestshock 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."

They added: "We thank you for respecting the privacy of all concerned at this time."

Many stars have paid tribute to Flint, who rose to fame in the Brit Award-winning electronic band in the 1990s and was known for his bright greenspiky hair.

Electronic music artists Chase And Status and Ed Simons from The Chemical Brothers were among those to have paid tribute to Flint.

A Twitter post from Chase And Status, who are considered pioneers in the big beat genre along with The Prodigy, said: "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'tbe here if it wasn't for Keith and the life changing music they made andchampioned. RIP."

Simons tweeted: "Oh gosh, so sad to hear about Keith Flint, he was alwaysgreat fun to be around and very kind to Tom and I when we first started doing shows together.. great man."

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

Tributes are being paid to the star on social media

Flint grew up in Essex, attending Boswells School in Chelmsford and Braintree College - before going on to form the band with friends he met at rave club the Barn in Braintree.

The prodigy went on to become one of the biggest British bands of the 1990s.