TWO men have been arrested as part of an investigation into the death of a 32-year-old man who was found dead in his cell last year.

A 45-year-old man from Birkenhead and a 26-year-old man from Liverpool have been detained for questioning in connection with the death of Keith Abbot.

The 32-year-old, of Newton-le-Willows in Merseyside, was found dead in his cell on July 15, 2016 with "severe" injuries.

Three other men, who are currently serving prison sentences in north west England, were arrested on Monday January 30 in connection with Abbot's death and have subsequently been bailed and remanded. They are aged 30, 25 and 22 respectively.

The investigation, which has been ongoing for the past six months, is aiming to establish facts surrounding Keith Abbot’s death which is being treated as suspicious.

The investigation forms part of Operation Knighsbridge, which is investigating a number of reports of physical and sexual assaults within HMP Haverigg, as well as the circumstances of three deaths inside the prison.

Detective Chief Inspector Roy Ledingham, who is leading the investigation, said: "Any violent incident is a worry. There have been violent incidences within prison settings and Operation Knightsbridge is looking into the death of Keith Abbot - we really want to find out what happened to him."

"We have had an investigative team in place since the operation started on August 1 and we have spoken to inmates and staff at the prison.

"It is quite clear that something has caused quite severe injuries to keith Abbot and we are looking into that.
"This is not a matter which is being taken lightly. We are spending a lot of time and resources on this investigation because we desperately want to find out what caused Keith Abbot's injuries.

"I would like to take this opportunity to appeal to anyone who may have information regarding Mr Abbott’s death to contact us and share what you know.

"No matter how trivial you may deem your information it could assist with our enquiries.

"Any information will be treated sensitively and professionally by experienced detectives."

As well as Mr Abbot's death, the operation is also looking into the suicide of an inmate last year as well as the death of an inmate in December 2015 after the coroner asked Cumbria Constabulary to further investigate his death.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 and ask to speak to an officer from the Operation Knightsbridge team.

Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.