Two prisoners have died at HMP Low Newton in County Durham, the prison where serial killer Lucy Letby is being held. The Ministry of Justice confirmed the deaths, which are being investigated by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman. Letby, who was sentenced to a whole-life order for murdering seven babies and attempting to kill six others, is held in the same prison.
HMP Low Newton is one of only three prisons in England and Wales that house restricted status prisoners, the female equivalent of Category A inmates. Letby is expected to be classified as such, meaning maximum security conditions and strict visiting restrictions.
The deaths at the prison have raised questions about safety and security. The Ministry of Justice said it was a tragic incident and that support was being provided to staff and inmates. The ombudsman's investigation will look into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Letby's case continues to have wide-ranging implications. An independent inquiry into the circumstances of her crimes has been announced, though it currently lacks statutory powers. The government is under pressure to grant these powers to compel witnesses to attend.
Police are also reviewing over 4,000 admissions of babies to neonatal units where Letby worked, to ensure no other cases were missed. The prosecution has until 15 September to decide whether to seek a retrial on six counts of attempted murder on which the jury could not reach verdicts.
