Coronavirus: First British prisoner dies from Covid-19
84-year-old was inmate at HMP Littlehey in Cambridgeshire
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.An 84-year-old prisoner has become the first inmate in the the UK to die after contracting coronavirus.
The man was an inmate at HMP Littlehey, a category C male sex offenders’ prison in Cambridgeshire.
He died in hospital on Sunday.
He reportedly had underlying health issues.
A Prison Service spokesman said: “An 84-year-old prisoner at HMP Littlehey died in hospital on March 22.
“Our thoughts are with his family at this time.
“As with all deaths in custody, there will be an independent investigation by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman.”
Across the UK, 19 inmates had tested positive for Covid-19 in 10 jails and four prison staff had tested positive for the disease in four jails, as of Wednesday.
Three prisoner escort and custody services staff have also tested positive for the virus.
The Prison Service has said robust contingency plans have been put in place at its facilities in consultation with Public Health England and the Department of Health and Social Care.
It said prisons are well prepared to take immediate action wherever cases or suspected cases of Covid-19 are identified, including the isolation of individuals where necessary.
Over 9,500 people are known to have contracted the coronavirus in the UK, according to the latest figures, though the true number is estimated to be far higher. As of Thursday morning 465 deaths have been recorded.
Additional reporting by PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments