Man held on suspicion of murder after prison inmate found dead in cell

A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a prison inmate was found dead inside his cell.

West Mercia Police said it received a report from HMP Stoke Heath, near Market Drayton, Shropshire, that the man, in his 40s, was found dead in the cell at around 7.40am on Tuesday.

A 26-year-old man was arrested in connection with the incident after officers attended the prison. He remains in custody.

Superintendent Carl Moore said: “Our thoughts are with the family of the man who has lost his life.

“An investigation has begun to establish the full circumstances of his death.”

HMP Stoke Heath is a men’s Category C prison that houses nearly 800 inmates.

It was given the highest rating for keeping prisoners safe in its latest unannounced inspection by HM Inspectorate of Prisons in January 2023.