Grange Hill actor Terry Sue-Patt has died at the age of 50. Credit: BBC

Grange Hill actor Terry Sue-Patt, who played Benny Green in the long-running school-based drama, has been found dead at his home in London. He was found at a flat in Walthamstow on Friday afternoon. Police confirmed they are not treating the death as suspicious.

Terry Sue-Patt was the first character to walk through the gates on Grange Hill in 1978. Credit: Facebook

Mr Sue-Patt, who was 50, was best known for his role in the iconic BBC show alongside Lee Macdonald, who played Zammo, and Erkan Mustafa, who starred as Roland. He was the first character ever to be seen on the show as he walked through the fictional school gates in 1978.

Some of the actor's former Grange Hill colleagues paid tribute to him on Twitter:

Lee MacDonald @leemacdonald Follow R.I.P Terry Sue-Patt the memories of our times together will never be forgotten! Love you FOREVER Xxxxxxxxxxxx http://t.co/tyNBrf5HTi

Erkan Mustafa @ErkanMustafa Follow Rip terry sue patt aka #bennygreen#grangehill legend you will be missed by true friends

Robert Craig-Morgan @rcraigmorgan Follow So shocked on hearing my good friend and Grange Hill colleague, Terry Sue Patt has passed away. Such a beautiful soul. R.I.P Terry. Legend x