West Midlands Fire Service's chief officer Wayne Brown found dead

Wayne Brown was discovered earlier on Wednesday, colleagues said

The chief officer of West Midlands Fire Service has been found dead at his home.

Wayne Brown was discovered earlier on Wednesday, Greg Brackenridge, chair of West Midlands Fire and Rescue Authority, said.

In a statement, he said his death was not being treated as suspicious by police.

Mr Brown was being investigated over claims made on social media about his qualifications for the role.

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

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

West Midlands Police said officers attended an address in Birmingham "where the body of a man in his 50s was sadly found".

"A formal identification will take place in due course," a spokesperson added.

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

'Terrible loss'

Andy Roe, from London Fire Brigade, where Mr Brown was previously based, said he was "deeply sorry" to hear about Mr Brown's death.

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

Mr Brown spent 27 years in London Fire Brigade rising to the role of assistant commissioner.

Mr Brown was at the scene of the 2005 London terrorist attacks and many other high-profile emergencies

He joined West Midlands Fire Service in November 2019 as deputy chief fire officer. He took up the role of chief fire officer in January 2023.

During his career, Mr Brown attended some of the country's most high-profile disasters including Grenfell Tower fire and the 2005 London terrorist attacks.

Ben Adams, Staffordshire's police, fire and crime commissioner, said news of the chief's death was "the most tragic news".

"Terrible loss of a good man," he wrote on X.

"Many in fire and rescue saw Wayne as a role model. He broke new ground and championed everything at his best in the service."

Staff at West Midlands Fire Service have been offered support.

Earlier, the service confirmed Mr Brown was under investigation following claims made on social media.

The BBC understands the claims related to a business administration qualification which is a requirement of the role.

The service said a formal process was under way into the allegations.