West Midlands Chief Fire Officer Wayne Brown found dead at home

In a statement, the fire service said his death "is not being treated as suspicious by West Midlands Police."

The statement, from Chair of West Midlands Fire and Rescue Authority Greg Brackenridge, read: "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," the statement continued.

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

At the time of his death, Mr Brown was being investigated over claims on social media relating to his academic qualifications, according to reports.

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."

London Fire Commissioner Andy Roe added: "I am deeply sorry to hear of the passing of Wayne Brown.

"Wayne was a valued and respected colleague in the Brigade for over 20 years before joining West Midlands FRS.

"Our thoughts go out to Wayne’s family and friends at this difficult time."

West Midlands Ambulance Service also paid tribute with a short statement on social media, saying: "We are very sad to hear of the passing of Wayne Brown.

"Mr Brown was well regarded by everyone who had the pleasure of meeting and working with him.

"Our deepest condolences go to his family and colleagues at West Midlands Fire Service."

According to the West Midlands Fire Service website, Wayne Brown was an experienced commander who attended some of the UK’s most significant operational incidents - including London terrorist attacks and the devastating Grenfell Tower fire.

He also led the West Midlands response to Covid-19.

The West Midlands Fire and Rescue Authority appointed him as the brigade's permanent Chief Fire Officer following a selection procedure in April 2023.

West Midlands Fire Service recently confirmed that an investigation into claims made about the Chief Fire Officer and the service itself was under way.