Inmate dies after prison cell fire

A 51-year-old prisoner has died after a blaze in his cell, the Prison Service said today.

John Cann, who was awaiting sentence for criminal damage, died in hospital yesterday after being pulled from his cell at the category B Holme House prison in Stockton on Tees following a fire on Wednesday.

It is understood he was not on suicide watch.

A Prison Service spokesman said: "HMP Holme House prisoner John Cann was found unresponsive after a fire in his cell at approximately 4.40pm on Wednesday November 2.

"Staff removed him from the cell and attempted resuscitation, and he was taken to outside hospital by ambulance. He was pronounced dead at approximately 2.35pm on Thursday November 3.

"As with all deaths in custody, the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman will conduct an investigation."

PA