A MURDER probe has been launched after an inmate at Risley prison was stabbed to death.

The prisoner was killed yesterday evening, Tuesday, having reportedly suffered stab wounds to the chest on HMP Risley's E wing.

Cheshire Police have confirmed that a 33-year-old man was rushed to Warrington Hospital shortly after 7.30pm on January 22 after an assault in the prison, but was later pronounced dead.

He has been named by the Ministry of Justice as inmate Stephen O'Donnell.

A 23-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is currently in custody, assisting detectives with their enquiries.

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Mr O’Donnell’s family have been informed of his death and are being supported by specialist officers, although formal identification has yet to take place.

In a statement, a Cheshire Police spokesman said: “At 7.41pm on Tuesday, January 22, police were called to reports of an assault at HMP Risley in Warrington – a 33-year-old man was taken to Warrington Hospital, where he sadly died.

“Formal identification has not yet taken place, but his family have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

“A 23-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is currently in police custody assisting detectives with their enquiries.”

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The Ministry of Justice, which runs the category C prison on Warrington Road, offered its ‘condolences’ to Mr O’Donnell’s family in the wake of his death.

A spokesman for the MoJ added: “HMP Risley prisoner Stephen O’Donnell was pronounced dead following an incident on Tuesday evening.

“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."