Prodigy frontman Keith Flint competed in Chelmsford Central 5k parkrun two days before death

Keith Flint took part in a 5k run two days before he was found dead, it has emerged.

The Prodigy vocalist was found dead at his home in Essex on Monday morning.

His bandmate Liam Howlett said the frontman had “taken his own life”.

Flint, who was 49, competed in the 5k Chelmsford Central parkrun on Saturday, posting a personal best time of 21.22.

Keith Flint pictured competing in the 5k Chelmsford Central parkrun on Saturday

Writing on their website, organisers described Flint as "one of our newer runners".

They added: "We wished he could have been part of our parkrun community for longer than he was.

"Our condolences and thoughts go to his family and friends at this sad time."

Flint was a tour de force in the British rave music scene in the 1990s, known for his bright green spiky hair, facial piercings and energetic, manic stage performances.

He rose to fame as part of Brit Award-winning electronic band The Prodigy, loved by fans for their hits including Firestarter and Breathe as well as their anti-establishment stance and fusion of techno, breakbeat and acid house.

They released their latest album No Tourists in November, their seventh consecutive number one record.

On Monday afternoon, a bouquet of purple flowers was laid by the gate next to Flint's home.

Following his death, tributes were paid from around the entertainment industry.

Bandmates Liam Howlett and Maxim described Flint as "a true pioneer, innovator and legend".

They said that Flint was their "brother and best friend" and that "he will be forever missed".

In a separate post, Howlett claimed that "our brother Keith took his own life over the weekend".

Gail Porter, who dated Flint between 1999 and 2000, was among those to pay respects.

The presenter wrote the word "heartbroken" on Twitter.

James Blunt penned an emotional tribute to Flint, saying he showed him kindness when others in the industry did not.

The singer wrote on Twitter: "At the Q Awards years ago, when @NoelGallagher was saying he was leaving Ibiza because I'd moved there, and @DamonAlbarn refused to be in the same picture as me, and @PaulWellerHQ was saying he'd rather eat his own s*** than work with me, Keith Flint came over, gave me a hug, and said how thrilled he was for my success.

"Keith, I only met you once, but I shed a tear at the news of your death. In our business, there are no prizes for being kind, but if there was, that Grammy would be yours."

Electronic music artists Chase And Status and The Chemical Brothers, who are both considered pioneers in the big beat genre along with The Prodigy, were among those sharing tributes for Flint.

Essex Police, who were called to Flint's home on Monday morning, said a 49-year-old man had been found dead and that the death was not being treated as suspicious.

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