A man in his 60s has died while held at HMP Forest Bank prison with an investigation set to be underway.
Laurence Russell, 62, died on October 2 2026 , said the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman (PPO). The PPO is a watchdog organization that investigates complaints and deaths in UK prisons.
It is currently unknown whether Mr Russell was serving a sentence or in custody awaiting sentencing. Circumstances surrounding his death have yet to be revealed.
On the PPO’s website details confirming his name, date of birth, where he was being held and date of death have been posted.
While no further details are set to be published at this time, however the PPO have confirmed that an investigation is ‘in progress’.
HMP Forest Bank, a category B men’s private prison in Pendlebury, is privately run by France-based company Sodexo, a global leader in food and services.
A spokesperson for HMP Forest Bank has confirmed there is currently a ‘live investigation’ into the death of Laurence Russell. They also confirmed the prison is cooperating with the PPO’s investigation.
A HMP Forest Bank spokesperson said: “We offer our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mr Russell, and we recognise how difficult this time will be for them. It’s a live investigation, which we are cooperating fully with, so we will not be making further comment at this stage.”
The prison has been long criticised for the number of fatalities, assaults and illicit items that make their way into the prison according to an inspection report.
