'Disturbance' at immigration removal centre Morton Hall after death of inmate

Officers in riot gear with dogs reportedly went into the site this afternoon as alarms sounded inside the complex

Morton Hall Immigration Removal Centre near Lincoln (UK Home Office)

A disturbance has broken out at an immigration removal centre following the death of a detainee last night.

Around 30 detainees are thought to be involved in the continuing incident at Morton Hall Immigration Removal Centre (IRC), near Lincoln.

A Home Office spokesman said: “A disturbance involving a number of detainees is currently ongoing at Morton Hall IRC.

“Specially trained staff have been deployed to bring the situation to a safe conclusion. There are no reported injuries to staff or detainees relating to this incident.”

It has been reported that officers in riot gear with dogs went into the site this afternoon, and that alarms were sounding inside the complex.

Immigration and Security Minister James Brokenshire has promised an investigation following the death of the man at the centre last night.

Mr Brokenshire said: “Our thoughts are with the family at this very sad time. Deaths in removal centres are rare but tragic events.

“We take our responsibilities towards detainees' health and welfare extremely seriously. As is the case with any death in detention a full investigation has been launched.”

Morton Hall, in the village of Swinderby, is run by the Prison Service on behalf of UK Border Agency.

It has 392 rooms spread across six residential units, and holds adult men.

PA