Terry Sue-Patt
Promotional image of Terry Sue-Patt in Grange Hill. Sue-Patt was the first actor to be seen in the BBC's long-running children's TV show. BBC

Former Grange Hill child actor Terry Sue-Patt has been found dead at his home in London on Friday.

He became a household name after playing football-loving Benny Green from 1978 to 1982 in the long-running children's TV drama.

Terry was given the role after a talent scout spotted him playing football in a park in London, and was the first student to be shown in the debut episode.

The Met Police said it was called to a flat in Walthamstow, east London, at 13:45 BST after concerns had been raised about the welfare of its occupant.

The actor's body was discovered by police at his home after officers broke into the property. The cause of death has not been confirmed, but his death is not being treated as suspicious.

Some of the Terry's former Grange Hill colleagues paid tribute to him on Twitter.

His former co-star Erkan Mustafa, who played Roland, said:

Another ex-Grange Hill star, Robert Craig-Morgan, who played Justin Bennet, added:

A number of celebrities also expressed their condolences via Twitter.

Former Olympic gold medal boxer Audley Harrison, said:

And, former footballer and now radio commentator Stan Collymore, said:

Terry also enjoyed cinematic success in 1989 on the film The Firm, starring alongside Gary Oldman and Phil Davis.

He also had minor roles in other TV shows including Desmonds, General Hospital and Jackanory.

Grange Hill, a drama series set in a London school, ran on the BBC from 1978 to 2008. During its 30 years the series included many topical and controversial subjects effecting teenagers, including rape, suicide, knife crime and, most famously, heroine addiction.

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