A “high profile” prisoner has been killed in an incident at one of Western Australia’s maximum security prisons.
The state’s Department of Justice, which manages Hakea Prison, have confirmed a 40-year-old Aboriginal man was found unresponsive in his cell just after 8am Thursday.
“Prison staff provided first aid and paramedics attended but the man was unable to be revived,” reads a DoJ statement.
“The circumstances surrounding the death will be subject to a police investigation.
“The prison is assisting the investigation and two units have been placed in lockdown to assist police.
“WA Police will provide a report to the State Coroner.”
Hakea Prison is a maximum security facility for males in the Perth suburb of Canning Vale. Picture: 9News
Breaking: high profile prisoner found dead in his Hakea Prison cell. Police investigating. More to come. @7NewsPerth
— Geofrey Parry (@geofparry7) March 9, 2023
WA Police said they were notified of the death at the Canning Vale facility, about 16km south of Perth’s CBD, at 9.25am Thursday.
“Detectives from the Major Crime Division are attending the prison to establish the circumstances surrounding the death in custody,” reads their release.
Seven News reporter Geof Parry reported the prisoner in question is “high profile.”
The inmate’s identity is yet to be confirmed.
The incident caused parts of the prison to be put into lockdown, creating havoc for scheduled court appearances via video link from Hakea on Thursday morning.
More to come.
Read related topics:Perth