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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."