Mass Poisoning Incident at HMP Lewes Sends Inmates and Staff to Hospital

At least 10 prisoners and staff members at HMP Lewes in East Sussex were taken to the hospital after a suspected mass poisoning. The incident occurred after attending a religious service, with reports of between 10 and 15 people falling ill. Two individuals are said to be in a life-threatening condition. Emergency services, including ambulance, police, and fire response vehicles, were on the scene to assist. Police have not yet released details of the incident, but sources at the prison suggest it may be related to food poisoning or spiking.

A source at HMP Lewes told MailOnline that the individuals fell ill after attending a religious event at a chapel service with food. They speculated that the sudden onset of symptoms indicated it may not be a case of food poisoning alone. The prison has been placed on lockdown while the incident is being investigated. A CBRN van, along with other emergency vehicles, were seen at the site. A ‘major incident’ sign was reportedly placed outside a hospital around 16 miles away, indicating the severity of the situation. The South East Coast Ambulance Service confirmed they had responded to a medical incident at HMP Lewes.

HMP Lewes is a men’s category B prison that houses both sentenced prisoners and individuals on remand to local courts. The Ministry of Justice and East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust have been contacted for further information. The incident has raised concerns about the safety and security of prisoners and staff at the prison. The swift response by emergency services highlights the seriousness of the situation and the need for a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the mass poisoning.

The sudden illness of multiple individuals at HMP Lewes has raised suspicions of either food poisoning or deliberate spiking. The incident occurred after a religious service, suggesting that the food served may have been contaminated. The fact that both prisoners and staff members were affected highlights the potential vulnerability of individuals within the prison environment. The lockdown of the prison indicates the seriousness of the situation and the need to prevent further harm to those within the facility.

The presence of a CBRN van at the scene suggests that emergency services are taking precautions for potential chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear threats. The response by multiple emergency vehicles indicates a coordinated effort to address the situation and ensure the safety of those affected. The high number of individuals taken to the hospital underscores the severity of the incident and the need for immediate medical attention. Further investigation is required to determine the cause of the mass poisoning and prevent future occurrences.

The Ministry of Justice and healthcare authorities are working to gather more information about the incident at HMP Lewes. The focus is on providing medical care to those affected and ensuring the safety of all individuals within the prison. The mass poisoning has sparked concerns about the security protocols in place at the prison and the need for measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. As the investigation continues, more details will emerge about the cause of the poisoning and the steps being taken to address the situation.