Murder investigation launched after death in prison

A 49-year-old was found dead in HMP Five Wells

Police have launched a murder investigation and made an arrest following the "sudden death" of a man in prison.

Northamptonshire Police was called to HMP Five Wells in Wellingborough on Tuesday morning after the 49-year-old man was found dead.

A 20-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder and remained in police custody.

HMP Five Wells, ran by security firm G4S, opened in 2022 and houses about 1,700 male Category C prisoners.

A police spokesperson said: "Officers were called to reports of the sudden death of a 49-year-old man at His Majesty's Prison Five Wells in Wellingborough at about 09.30 GMT on 10 December.

"Detectives have launched an investigation and are working closely with the prison to establish the circumstances which has led to the man's death."

Yesterday a report into the prison's most recent inspection, carried out in November, was published showing "evidence of progress" in key areas including reducing self-harm incidents.