West Midlands Fire Service chief found dead at home

The chief of West Midlands Fire Service Wayne Brown has been tragically found dead at his home.

The fire service confirmed the discovery was made this morning (24 January) and said it is "devastated" by his death and their "thoughts and love are with his family, friends and colleagues."

In a statement issued this evening, Greg Brackenridge, Chair of West Midlands Fire and Rescue Authority, said: "We are devastated to report that our Chief Fire Officer, Wayne Brown, was this morning (24 January) found dead at his home address.

"The death is not being treated as suspicious by West Midlands Police.

"All our thoughts and love are with his family, his friends and his colleagues.

"We ask everyone that his family and his colleagues are given time and space at this tragic time."

West Midlands Police said: "We can confirm that we attended an address in Birmingham this morning where the body of a man in his 50s was sadly found.

"The death is not being treated as suspicious and we are liaising with the local coroner.

"A formal identification will take place in due course.

"The man's family is being supported by specialist officers and our thoughts are with them at this time."

It comes after Mr Brown was under investigation by the West Midlands Fire Service following claims made on social media.

The service said at the time that 'formal enquiries and processes' were ongoing in 'relation to the matters raised'.

London Fire Commissioner, Andy Roe, has posted a tribute:

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