An investigation has been launched after a 26-year-old prisoner died at HMP Deerbolt in Barnard Castle, County Durham. Bradley Kinnear lost his life at the Category C training prison on Thursday afternoon, July 16.
Emergency Response and Police Statement
Emergency services, including paramedics and the air ambulance, were called to the prison at around 4pm. The air ambulance was later stood down. Durham Constabulary confirmed that Mr Kinnear's death is not being treated as suspicious. A police spokesperson said: "Police were called at 4.50pm yesterday (July 16) following the death of a prisoner at HMP Deerbolt, in Barnard Castle. The 26-year-old's death is not being treated as suspicious, and a file will now be prepared for the coroner. Officers are supporting the man's family during this difficult time."
Prisons and Probation Ombudsman Investigation
The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman (PPO) will carry out an investigation into Mr Kinnear's death. A Prison Service spokesperson stated: "As with all deaths in custody, the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman is investigating. We will respond to its findings in due course."
Ambulance Service Response
The North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) dispatched two ambulances to the scene. A NEAS spokesperson said: "We received a call at 3.59pm on Thursday 16 July to reports of an incident at HM Young Offenders Institution on Lartington Lane in Barnard Castle. We dispatched two ambulance crews to the scene." The Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) also responded. A GNAAS spokesperson said: "Our critical care team was activated at 4.08pm to an incident in Barnard Castle, however they were stood down shortly afterwards and returned back to base."
