A prisoner has died after a fire broke out in a cell.

Christian Hinkley died yesterday at HMP Swaleside – a category B prison in Eastchurch on the Isle of Sheppey.

The fire did not spread to any other part of the prison.

The 33-year-old did not have a history of self harm.

An independent investigation has been opened by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman as the death happened while in custody.

A Prison Service spokesman said: "HMP Swaleside prisoner Christian Hinkley died on Monday, July 29, following a fire in his cell.

"The police and fire service are also investigating."

He was serving a sentence for GBH. Kent Fire and Rescue Service was called but refused to give information about its involvement.

A police spokeswoman said officers were called at 12.08am yesterday after concerns were raised for a prisoner.

She added: "Officers attended along with the Kent Fire and Rescue Service and a man in his 30s was pronounced dead.

"His death is not being treated as suspicious and a report is being prepared for the coroner."

For more news on fires in the county, click here.

Read more: All the latest news from Sheerness.