Coronavirus: Pentonville prison staff members die after displaying symptoms

Colleagues pay tribute to them with minute's silence

Two staff members at Pentonville Prison have died of suspected coronavirus (PA)

Two staff members at Pentonville Prison in London died after displaying coronavirus symptoms, the Prison Officers’ Association (POA) has said.

Bovil Peter and Patrick Beckford were both support workers at the north London prison and were thought to be in their 60s.

Mark Fairhurst, the POA national chairman, said: "My thoughts and prayers are with everybody involved with these tragic deaths — two at the same prison is very concerning."

He said Mr Peter, who died earlier this week “due to Covid-19 symptoms”, was “an experienced member of staff” at the jail.

Speaking of Mr Peter’s death, Mr Fairhurst added: "I just want to highlight the fact that this (Covid-19) puts us all at risk.

"We are on the front line doing a commendable job on behalf of society and he will be sadly missed by all his colleagues. We wish the best for his family and friends."

After learning of their colleagues’ deaths, staff at the jail reportedly paid tribute to them with a minute’s silence.

A Prison Service spokesman said: "Two staff members at HMP Pentonville have sadly passed away, and our deepest sympathies are with their loved ones and colleagues at this difficult time."

It is unclear whether either of the men had any underlying health conditions.

Additional reporting from PA