THE family of a prisoner who was stabbed to death in Risley prison say their ‘hearts are broken’ after his murder.

Stephen O’Donnell died after reportedly being stabbed in the chest in the E-wing of HMP Risley on Tuesday evening.

Tributes have now been paid to the 33-year-old, who has been described as a ‘lovely man who was adored by his family and friends’.

In a statement, Mr O’Donnell’s family said: “Our hearts are broken at the loss of our beloved Stephen – he was a lovely man who was adored by his family and friends.

“He didn’t deserve to be taken from us in this way, but nobody can take away the memories that we have of him which we will always treasure.

“We ask that our privacy be respected at this time while we come to terms with our terrible loss.”

READ > Shop licence revoked after thousands of illegal cigarettes found in alleyway

Cheshire Police have confirmed that a man suffered serious injuries during an assault in the prison on Tuesday, January 22, and was rushed to Warrington Hospital before being pronounced dead shortly after 7.45pm.

READ > The chippy where you can go if you need to talk about your mental health

Warrington Guardian:

A 23-year-old man was arrested following the incident, and has since been charged with Mr O’Donnell’s murder.

Adrisse Gray appeared at Warrington Magistrates Court this afternoon, Thursday, to face the charge.

Wearing a CES-branded burgundy jumper and appearing with long and curly dark brown hair as well as a thin moustache, Gray spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth, address and nationality.

Flanked by two security officers in the dock during today's court hearing, he will next appear before Liverpool Crown Court on Monday, January 28.

He is then expected to submit a plea to the charge of Mr O'Donnell's murder in a further court appearance next month.

Gray has been remanded into custody until his next court date.

A spokesman for the Ministry of Justice said on Wednesday: “Our condolences are with the friends and family of Mr O’Donnell, and it would inappropriate to comment further while there is an ongoing police investigation."