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London's Burning Star John Alford's Cause of Death Confirmed After Prison Death

An inquest recorded ischaemic heart disease as the cause after the 54-year-old was found dead weeks into an 8.5-year sentence.

  • On Tuesday, June 16, an inquest opened at Norfolk Coroner's Court into the death of former actor John Alford, also known as John James Shannon, who died in March at HMP Bure from ischaemic heart disease.
  • Alford rose to prominence as Robbie Wright in the BBC drama Grange Hill before gaining wider recognition for his role as firefighter Billy Ray in London's Burning, though his television career faded more than 25 years ago.
  • In January, the 54-year-old was sentenced to eight-and-a-half years for child sex offences after being convicted last September of four counts of sexual activity with a child and two counts of sexual assault.
  • He was found dead in his cell less than three months into his custodial sentence at HMP Bure, a category C prison housing male sex offenders, prompting a full investigation required due to death in state detention.
  • Area coroner Johanna Thompson confirmed Alford's identity during the opening hearing, which adjourned to allow further inquiries; a full inquest is scheduled at Norfolk Coroner's Court on September 11 at 10am.
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Daily Star broke the news in United Kingdom on Tuesday, June 16, 2026.
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