HMP Belmarsh: Murder probe launched after inmate dies

HMP Belmarsh has housed some of Britain's most high-profile offenders

A murder investigation has been launched into the death of an inmate who was attacked at a high-security prison.

The 36-year-old prisoner was found with head injuries at HMP Belmarsh, south-east London, at 20:00 GMT on Tuesday, Scotland Yard said.

He was taken to hospital in a critical condition but died on Wednesday night.

Two 28-year-old inmates were arrested on Tuesday evening on suspicion of attempted murder.

Det Ch Insp Richard Leonard said: "At this stage I am open minded concerning motive, but expect this to become clear as the investigation progresses."

The Met is working to establish the circumstances surrounding the death with local prison staff.

A post-mortem examination will take place in due course.

HMP Belmarsh is one of only three high-security core prisons in England and Wales.

A 2018 inspection report showed that levels of violence had increased at Belmarsh since a previous inspection in 2015.

The jail opened in 1991 and is able to hold 910 prisoners, according to the Ministry of Justice.