TWO prisoners have died amid a Covid-19 outbreak at HMP Risley.

The pair were rushed to Warrington Hospital last month after suffering breathing difficulties, but later died.

Several other inmates have reportedly been treated in hospital in recent weeks after testing positive for coronavirus.

Meanwhile, two wings of the category C jail on Warrington Road are understood to have been locked down as a result of the spread of the virus.

The Ministry of Justice is liaising with Public Health England over the issue, but was unable to confirm the causes of the prisoners’ deaths.

But it is understood that only a ‘handful’ of the roughly 1,000 inmates are infected at present, with staff members having also been affected.

A prison service spokesman said: “Our priority is to limit the spread of the virus and protect the lives of those who live and work in our prisons.

“We have taken precautionary measures at Risley in line with public health guidance and will continue to closely monitor the situation.”

Prisoners are being vaccinated in line with the guidance for the general population.