HMP Leicester prisoner on attempted murder charge dies

Connor Kavanagh, who died in hospital on Friday, was a prisoner at HMP Leicester

A man who was facing an attempted murder charge has died in hospital while in the custody of the Prison Service.

HMP Leicester prisoner Connor Kavanagh, 21, had been remanded in custody after a man was stabbed in the city on 22 February.

The Prison Service said Mr Kavanagh died on Friday but refused to disclose further details.

The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman has started an investigation.

Mr Kavanagh appeared at Leicester Magistrates' Court on 25 February charged with attempted murder following an attack in Princess Road West at about 03:30 GMT.

He was remanded in custody to appear at the city's crown court.

The 27-year-old victim suffered puncture wounds, police said, and remains in Leicester Royal Infirmary. He had been at a party in the street before the incident took place.

A Prison Service spokesman said: "Every death in custody is a tragedy and as with all deaths, there will be an investigation by the independent Prisons and Probation Ombudsman."

The Ombudsman has published 21 reports into deaths at HMP Leicester since 2004 on its website.

A spokeswoman said the report would be made public after the conclusion of the inquest

An inquest into Mr Kavanagh's death is due to open next week.