Investigation launched at all-women prison HMP Styal after an inmate is found dead over the weekend

  •  Inmate Eileen McDonagh died at the all-female jail in Cheshire yesterday 
  •  A spokesman for the prison service confirmed Ms McDonaghs death
  • HMP Styal has seen at least 11 women die within its walls since 2001 

By Catrin Picton For Mailonline

Published: | Updated:

 An investigation into the death of a prisoner at HMP Styal has been launched.

 Inmate Eileen McDonagh died in custody at the all-female jail on July 2.

The all-women prison in Cheshire houses around 480 women, some of which are in the Mother and Baby Unit for women with babies up to 18 months.

A spokesman for the prison service confirmed Ms McDonaghs death.

The all-women prison in Cheshire houses around 480 women, 11 of which have died there since 2001

The all-women prison in Cheshire houses around 480 women, 11 of which have died there since 2001

The prison service confirmed that the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman, an independent body that investigates death in custody, has been informed of her death.

The investigation will help to find out more about the cause of death, time of death and more details surrounding Eileen McDonagh in her final moments.

A Prison Service spokesperson said: 'HMP Styal prisoner Eileen McDonagh died in custody on 2 July and our condolences are with her family. The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman has been informed.'

Since 2001, at least eleven women have died while in custody at the prison.

According to the gov.uk website:  'Every person at Styal has a right to feel safe. The staff are responsible for their safeguarding and welfare at all times.

'All safeguarding processes are overseen by Cheshire East Safeguarding Adults Board.

HMP Styal has a Mother and Baby Unit run by charity Action for Children Pictured: The special mother and baby unit

HMP Styal has a Mother and Baby Unit run by charity Action for Children Pictured: The special mother and baby unit

'Styal is committed to providing a safe and educational environment where women can learn new skills and focus on their personal development. '

Former orphanage HMP Styal was first opened as a women's prison in 1962 to serve female inmates from Strangeways, in Manchester. 

Strangeways, which is now called HMP Manchester, housed 744 inmates but was rebuilt in 1990 after a major riot. 

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