Convicted paedophile John Alford, who found fame playing a firefighter in the ITV drama London's Burning, died aged 54 at HMP Bure near Badersfield on March 13 this year.

A provisional cause of death has now been publicly recorded as ischaemic heart disease, following an inquest opening.

The disease stops the heart getting enough oxygen rich blood because the arteries have become narrowed or blocked.

It means Alford suffered either a heart attack, a fatal arrhythmia or sudden cardiac death.

HMP Bure (Image: Newsquest)

HMP Bure (Image: Newsquest)

The actor had been sentenced in January to eight years and six months in prison after being convicted of sexually assaulting two teenage girls. He died less than three months into the sentence.

Alford was one of the most recognisable young television stars of the 1980s and 1990s. He first found fame as rebellious schoolboy Robbie Wright in the BBC children’s drama Grange Hill, appearing in the programme between 1985 and 1990.

His popularity led to him becoming one of the faces of the Government-backed Just Say No anti-drugs campaign and charity........

© Norwich Evening News