GLASTONBURY Festival organiser Emily Eavis has joined those paying tribute to Prodigy frontman Keith Flint, who has passed away aged 49.

The Prodigy became the first dance act to top the bill at Worthy Farm when they headlined on the Pyramid Stage in 1997.

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

"He's played here so many times with The Prodigy and was booked for 2019.

"What an incredible frontman."

Tributes to the enigmatic frontman have rolled in after police confirmed that a man aged 49 was found dead in Essex.

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 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."

Sherlock actress Amanda Abbington was among those paying tribute to Flint.

She tweeted: "Keith Flint. Horribly sad news. Thank you for The Prodigy. You'll be ... missed."

Radio broadcaster Jo Whiley 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."

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."

Singer Beverley Knight wrote: "I just heard, and I am heartbroken. Once the most innovative, fearless, ballsy bands to grace a stage and Keith was perfection up front.

"We have lost a Titan. #KeithFlint #Prodigy."

A post from electronic music duo Chase and Status said: "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."

Jane Addison, who lived near the singer and walks her dogs along a track next to the property every day, said his death was a "shock".

Remembering Flint fondly as a "friendly" animal-lover, she said: "I don't know how many dogs he had, maybe eight-ish dogs, and he'd go round the fields on his quad, and when he wanted them to come back to him he'd shout 'eggs and bacon'."

She added: "He had lots of birds, canaries... in an aviary."

Asked what he was like when she bumped into him on her walks, she replied: "Friendly, very nice. Always raised a hand and said hello.

Ms Addison also recalled sitting in between Flint and her son three years ago at a local Christmas Eve church service.

"Much better voice than my son who's a rugby player and sitting between the two of them at Black Chapel at Christmas Eve was... my son bellowing and there's Keith with a tuneful voice."