A former British television actor has been found dead in prison only weeks after receiving a lengthy jail sentence, sparking an official investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
John Alford, known for his roles in the TV dramas London’s Burning and Grange Hill, died at the age of 54 while serving time in custody. Authorities confirmed he was found dead at HMP Bure in Norfolk on March 13.
The actor had been jailed earlier in 2026 after being convicted of sexually assaulting two teenage girls. A court sentenced him to eight and a half years in prison following the verdict.
During the trial, jurors heard that the offences took place at a house party in 2022 involving two girls aged 14 and 15. Prosecutors said the assaults occurred after the teenagers had been drinking alcohol.
Alford, whose real name was John Shannon, rose to fame in the 1980s and 1990s as a child actor before later appearing in the popular firefighter drama London’s Burning. His career later became overshadowed by legal troubles and controversies.
The Prison Service confirmed that, as with all deaths in custody, the case will now be examined by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman. The cause of death has not yet been publicly confirmed.
Officials say investigations are standard procedure whenever someone dies in prison, and further details about what happened are expected once inquiries are completed.
