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Two inmates die and a Nottinghamshire prison is locked down after a suspected bad batch of spice sparks medical emergencies

HMP Ranby, near Retford, where last October's inspection warned drugs were a "considerable concern" and urged investment in physical security to stop contraband entering via drones.
HMP Ranby, near Retford, where last October's inspection warned drugs were a "considerable concern" and urged investment in physical security to stop contraband entering via drones.

Up to 14 "code blue" alarms — officers finding prisoners unconscious, not breathing or overdosing — were triggered over two days at HMP Ranby, near Retford, with four ambulances attending on Tuesday and an air ambulance deployed on Wednesday morning. Prisoners were warned today about a contaminated batch of spice, a synthetic cannabis, believed to be linked to the fatalities.

Staff reportedly conducted three cell checks on Wednesday to confirm no further inmates had died or were coding.

Last October's inspection warned drugs were a "considerable concern" and urged investment in physical security to stop contraband entering via drones.

Nottinghamshire Police's Det Insp James Oakton said the deaths are the subject of a full investigation, with families of the dead being supported.

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