Parc Prison: Six inmates die within three weeks

An investigation has been launched after six inmates in a Welsh prison died in the space of three weeks.

Security firm G4S, which runs HMP Parc in Bridgend, said the deaths occurred between 27 February and 19 March.

Two of the men have been named as John Rose and Jason Hussey, both of whom died on the same day.

The others are expected to be named later this week, with the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman launching investigation.

The six deaths are among a total of 20 deaths at the prison the body has been notified of, and begun investigating, since January 2022.

Ombudsman Adrian Usher said: "Naturally, I am very concerned about the number of deaths which have occurred in such a short space of time and I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of those affected.

"However we are not making any assumptions and we are keeping an open mind as to whether or not there is a causal link behind these deaths."

Mr Usher added: "My team of investigators have begun their work, and we are in contact with HMP Parc so that we can promptly and thoroughly investigate all of the circumstances surrounding each of these deaths.

"I am unable to provide further information at present as I do not want to prejudice the inquest, but I will provide my final reports publicly once the inquests have concluded."

An HMP Parc spokesperson said: "Our thoughts are with the families and friends of the prisoners who have died recently at Parc.

"As with all deaths in custody, the Prison and Probation Ombudsman will investigate."

Opened in November 1997, HMP Parc is a category B local prison holding convicted male adult and young offenders and convicted and remand sex offenders.

At the time of a 2019 inspection it held 1,612 prisoners, making it one of the largest prisons in the UK.