Former Lostprophets frontman Ian Watkins has died after being attacked at HMP Wakefield on Saturday morning. The 48-year-old was serving a 29-year sentence for child sex offences when he was reportedly killed by another inmate.
Sources confirmed that Watkins was attacked with a knife during the incident. Emergency services attended the West Yorkshire prison but he was pronounced dead at the scene, with the facility going into immediate lockdown afterwards.
Background to conviction
Watkins was jailed for 29 years in December 2013 with a further six years on licence after admitting a string of sex offences. His crimes included 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 2012. Police seized a large number of computers, mobile phones and storage devices, with analysis of the equipment uncovering his depraved behaviour.
Official responses
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."
West Yorkshire Police confirmed they were called at 9.39am by prison staff reporting an assault on a prisoner. A spokesperson said: "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."
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
