Inmates discharged after suspected food poisoning

Emergency services, including a CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear) incident support unit were called to HMP Lewes just after midday on Thursday

Six people, including three prisoners, have been discharged from hospital following suspected food poisoning at Lewes Prison, the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has said.

Emergency teams were sent to HMP Lewes, East Sussex, just after 12:00 GMT on Thursday after a number of inmates and staff fell ill following a Maundy meal.

About 15 people were treated during the incident, with deliberately contaminated food being considered as a possible cause.

The Prison Service said investigations into what caused the sickness were ongoing.

In a statement, an MoJ spokesperson said: "We can confirm that all those involved who attended hospital have been discharged."

Distress and vomiting

During Thursday's incident, on-site kitchens staffed by civilian workers and vetted prisoners were "locked down" when some people became distressed and giddy before slurring their words and vomiting, a source said.

According to the source, who said they had been briefed by prison staff, there was initial concern that they had been poisoned by fentanyl or a synthetic opioid.

The Prison Service said the initial assessment was that it was a food poisoning incident, and the jail itself was not locked down.

The MoJ said the kitchen reopened later on Thursday after "being deemed safe".

Three inmates were among those discharged from Eastbourne District General Hospital, the Prison Service said