Need to knowJohn Alford was the actor known for roles in Grange Hill and London's Burning but was jailed in January over child sex offences and died just weeks into his eight-year sentence at the age of 5420:39, 16 Jun 2026Former Grange Hill star John Alford died in prison(Image: Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire)John Alford, best known for his roles in Grange Hill and London's Burning was jailed in January over a string of child sex offences.The actor was convicted of four counts of sexual activity with a child, as well as two counts relating to a second female of sexual assault and assault by penetration, and was found dead in his prison cell in March at the age of 54.The former TV star was tried under his real name of John Shannon and always maintained that he was innocent even after being found guilty.Following an inquest opening, Alford's cause of death has now been publicly listed as ischaemic heart disease, meaning that he either had a a heart attack, a fatal arrhythmia or sudden cardiac death.The disease prevents the heart from getting enough oxygen rich blood as the arteries become narrow or blocked.He was convicted of four counts of sexual activity with a child, as well as two counts relating to a second female of sexual assault and assault by penetration. The court heard how he plied his young victims with booze before taking the 14 year old's virginity in the garden and toilet - despite her repeatedly saying no. He then molested the 15 year old against her will as she was falling asleep.READ THE FULL STORY - London's Burning paedophile John Alford's cause of death revealed after he was found dead in cell