A MAN has been found hanged at Blakenhurst prison, Tardebigge, the third death of its kind there in as many months.

Twenty-four-year-old Ian Price was taken to Redditch's Alexandra Hospital on May 13 and then transferred to Selly Oak hospital, Birmingham, but died in the afternoon.

Tricia Bradbury, spokeswoman and member of the Independent Monitoring Board for the remand prison, said: "It's horrendous to have had three suicides recently and it is of great concern to us.

"We will form part of the investigation into Ian Price's death, to check that all the correct procedures were followed."

Spokesman for the Prison Service, Peter Wilson, said: "Every death in custody is a matter of great regret and sadness and our sympathies are with Mr Price's family."

In March convicted child-killer Stephen Wilson was found hanged just a few days after 28-year-old Rajwinder Singh Mutti committed suicide at the prison.

Work is on-going at HMP Blakenhurst to improve safer custody measures. These include the appointment of a full-time safer custody officer who will work with prisoners at risk of suicide or self-harm.

Prisoner listeners are trained by the Samaritans to provide a confidential listening service to other prisoners. Plans are in place to include the expertise of two trained psychologists to assist.

in improving safer custody procedures.

An inquest into the death of Ian Price was opened and adjourned last Wednesday, May 14.

The Independent Monitoring Board is currently recruiting members, for in-formation call the board clerk Neil Walton on 01527 400718.