Former Lostprophets singer Ian Watkins has died after being attacked in Wakefield prison, West Yorkshire, on Saturday morning while serving a 29-year sentence for child sex offences, sources have confirmed.
Police and paramedics were called to Category A prison HMP Wakefield on Saturday morning after the high-profile paedophile was reportedly ambushed and fatally injured with a knife.
Watkins was pronounced dead at the scene with a murder investigation launched.
The 48-year-old was jailed for 29 years in December 2013 with a further six years on licence, after admitting a string of sex offences – including the attempted rape of a fan’s baby.
The disgraced singer was arrested following the execution of a drugs warrant at his Pontypridd home on 21 September 21 when a large number of computers, mobile phones and storage devices were seized.
Analysis of the equipment uncovered Watkins’ depraved behaviour.
A statement from West Yorkshire Police said: “At 9.39am this morning (Saturday), police were called by staff at HMP Wakefield reporting an assault on a prisoner.
“Emergency services attended and the man was pronounced dead at the scene a short time later.
“Detectives from the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team are investigating and inquiries remain ongoing at the scene.”
A Prison Service spokesperson said: “We are aware of an incident at HMP Wakefield which took place this morning.
“We are unable to comment further while the police investigate.”
More follows…
