A 62-year-old man has died at HMP Forest Bank in Salford, prompting an investigation by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman (PPO).
Laurence Russell died on October 2, the PPO confirmed. The ombudsman investigates all deaths in custody and some post-release cases. It is not known whether Mr Russell was serving a sentence or on remand, and no further circumstances surrounding his death have been disclosed.
Details of the death
Information posted on the PPO's website confirms Mr Russell's name, date of birth, and the date of his death. The ombudsman has described the investigation as 'in progress', with no additional details about the incident released.
Prison background and response
HMP Forest Bank is a category B men's private prison in the Pendlebury area of Salford, run by France-based facilities company Sodexo. The prison has faced criticism and concern over the number of fatalities there.
A spokesperson for HMP Forest Bank confirmed there is a 'live investigation' and stated the prison is cooperating with the PPO. In a statement, the spokesperson said: "We offer our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mr Russell, and we recognise how difficult this time will be for them. It's a live investigation, which we are cooperating fully with, so we will not be making further comment at this stage."
No further details have been revealed.
