Chester Bennington found dead: Linkin Park frontman dies aged 41

Linkin Park frontman Chester Bennington has been found dead aged 41.

The singer's body had been found at a private residence in LA, according to US news website TMZ.

Los Angeles County coroner Brian Elias confirmed that law enforcement had responded to reports of a death in the Palos Verdes Estates area.

Mr Elias confirmed that the death was being treated as a possible suicide but added that it is still under investigation.

Bennington joined the group in 1999 and became a household name a year later when the band released their debut album Hybrid Theory, which was nominated for a Grammy award for best rock album.

It went on to sell 10 million copies and propelled them to success.

His bandmate Mike Shinoda said he was "shocked and heartbroken" at the news.

He tweeted: "Shocked and heartbroken, but it's true. An official statement will come out as soon as we have one."

The band had recently released their seventh album, One More Light.

They have won two Grammy Awards, five American Music Awards, four MTV VMA Awards, 10 MTV Europe Music Awards and scores of other accolades.

The band has collaborated with many artists over the years including Jay-Z and more recently, London grime star Stormzy, in a track on their new album called Good Goodbye.

Bennington, who was from Arizona, married to model Talinda Ann Bentley and had six children, also fronted the Stone Temple Pilots from 2013 to 2015 and appeared in the films Crank and Saw 3D.

His close friend and fellow musician Chris Cornell, lead singer of the bands Soundgarden and Audioslave, killed himself in May this year. Bennington performed at his funeral.

Tributes poured in from stars including Rihanna, TV host Jimmy Kimmel, Chance the Rapper and Stormzy.

Rihanna shared a photo of Bennington performing on her Instagram page and wrote: "Literally the most impressive talent I've ever seen live. Vocal beast. #RIPChester #LinkinPark."

Chance the Rapper tweeted: "RIP Chester. Tragic ending. Condolences his family and friends and Linkin Park."

Stormzy wrote: "Bruv I can't lie I'm so upset serious. I am heartbroken you do not know what someone's going through serious. Prayers for your family right now my brother."

Kimmel said: "Chester was one of the kindest men I've had on my show. My heart breaks for his family and friends. He will be missed terribly."

In April this year, while promoting a tour in London, Bennington opened up during a Q&A session following a playback of a few tracks from One More Light.

The singer spoke openly about his state of mind when they started working on the new album.

He admitted to "hating the world", adding: "I had a song in my phone at the start of the process called I Hate The World Right Now. "

"Mostly the suffering that I was bringing on was self-imposed. All these thoughts were stuck in my head. It was not healthy. I remember thinking that I wanted to be left alone."

The band were due to continue with the North American leg of their tour next week.