Police launch inquiry after two inmates die in prison

Published4 November 2026, 16:00 GMT

Two inmates have died in custody at a prison in Nottinghamshire.

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) confirmed two men died at HMP Ranby - a Category C training and resettlement prison near Retford - on Wednesday.

Nottinghamshire Police said it was working with the Prison Service to establish the circumstances around the deaths.

A spokesperson for the Prison Service: "As with all deaths in custody, the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman will investigate, and we will respond to its findings in due course."

A spokesperson for East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) said: "I can confirm that both yesterday and today, EMAS attended HMP Ranby.

"As there is an ongoing investigation, it wouldn't be appropriate for us to comment further."

Det Insp James Oakton, of Nottinghamshire Police, added: "An investigation has been launched at HMP Ranby following the deaths of two prisoners on Wednesday.

"We are working closely with the prison service to establish the circumstances surrounding these deaths, and a thorough investigation is under way.

"The families of those involved are being supported, and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time."

During the last full inspection of the prison in February 2025, HM Inspectorate of Prisons found 23% of prisoners at Ranby tested positive for drugs and a quarter said they had developed a drug or alcohol habit while serving their sentence.

Inspectors also raised concerns about the condition of the prison.

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Retford

Ranby

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HM Prison and Probation Service

HM Prison and Probation Service

Nottinghamshire Police

Nottinghamshire Police