Rick Stein restaurants: One of BBC icon's chefs found dead in staff accommodation at The Cornish Arms restaurant in Padstow, Cornwall

The young chef, who was in his 30s, died on Thursday, February 13. Police were called to a property at Grenville Road in Padstow at around 8pm. It followed a concern for welfare for a man in a property on the street, home to staff accommodation for the celebrity chef's company.

A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said the man, understood to have been an employee at The Cornish Arms, in St Merryn, was declared deceased at the scene. His death is not being treated as suspicious and his next of kin has been informed of his death.

A full statement said: "Police were called to Grenville Road, Padstow, at around 8pm on Thursday, February 13, following a concern for welfare for a man in a property. Sadly, a man in his 30s was declared deceased at the scene."

Rick Stein bought The Cornish Arms pub in 2009 with his ex-wife and business partner, Jill Stein, and vowed to keep it a traditional Cornish pub. The Rick Stein Group currently employs over 600 people. The family-run business includes restaurants, a cookery school, shops and guest rooms.

Ian Fitzgerald, managing director of Rick Stein Restaurants, commented: "We are deeply saddened to confirm the passing of one of our chefs on Thursday, February 13. There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death, but out of respect for the family’s wishes for privacy during this difficult time, we will not be sharing further details.

"Our heartfelt condolences are with his family, friends and all who knew him. He was a valued and much-loved member of our team and will be greatly missed."