THE Prodigy star Keith Flint has died at the age of 49.

Police were called to his home in Essex early on Monday morning.

Essex Police said a 49-year-old man had been found dead and that the death is not being treated as suspicious.

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."

The Prodigy had played a number of local festivals over the past few years, including the Isle of Wight Festival and Portsmouth's Victorious Festival.

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

Radio broadcaster Jo Whiley was among those to pay tribute to Flint.

She tweeted: "Oh this is sad news. The death of Keith Flint.

"Whenever our paths crossed he was an absolute sweetheart. Really lovely. Incredible iconic frontman with a soft centre. #RIPKeithFlint."

Ed Simons of The Chemical Brothers tweeted: "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."