Emergency services were called to HMP Wandsworth in South London on Saturday, where convicted rapist Russell Brand is being held ahead of his sentencing. Police vehicles, ambulances and fire engines were seen arriving at the prison earlier in the day.
Incident at the prison
Brand, 51, was found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault on Thursday, November 5. The judge remanded him in custody, and he is due to be sentenced on Monday, November 9.
The nature of the incident remains unknown, though it is understood not to have been a fire. It is not known whether Brand was involved in the incident. Three ambulances and two ambulance cars entered the jail, while three fire engines also attended but remained outside. A number of firefighters entered the premises on foot.
Response from emergency services
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: "At 0946, Firefighters were called to HMP Wandsworth. The incident was over for crews by 1020."
The London Ambulance Service, the Metropolitan Police and the Ministry of Justice were also contacted for comment.
Conditions at HMP Wandsworth
HMP Wandsworth is a Category B prison, which also houses a small Category C resettlement unit. Prison inspectors raised concerns over several aspects of the facility following their most recent visit, issuing management an immediate action plan to improve standards at the establishment, which is home to more than 1,500 inmates.
According to a report following an inspection carried out in April and May 2024, "Overall living conditions were poor. Levels of overcrowding were high, with 80% of prisoners sharing cells designed for one. The prison was dirty." The report also noted: "Many showers were in poor condition across the prison, and some should have been decommissioned. There were frequent issues with heating and hot water."
"Numerous cells had damaged furniture, flooring, windows or sinks. Many observation panels were blocked or smashed. Vermin remained a problem in the prison," the report added. It stated that recent intensive work with an outside provider had seen some improvement, but prisoners reported that rodents were still seen frequently, and evidence of rat droppings was found across residential units.
