HMP Lowdham Grange goes into lockdown after a number of inmates and staff test positive for covid-19

The privately-run HMP Lowdham Grange has gone into lockdown after a number of inmates and staff tested positive for coronavirus.

The Category B jail is run by Serco and has an operational capacity of around 890.

Mark Hanson, Serco prison director at HMP Lowdham Grange, said: “There have been a number of confirmed prisoner and staff cases of covid-19 at HMP Lowdham Grange.

“As a result a number of prisoners are self-isolating and we have put in place a restricted regime with limited movements in the prison and regrettably have stopped all visits.

“We are working with our NHS Healthcare partner and Public Health England to implement the best possible strategy to manage the virus and keep everyone safe.”

Sources suggest the lockdown period is for an initial two weeks.

Lowdham Grange houses male prisoners serving intermediate to life sentences for crimes including murder, and some with indeterminate length sentences.