LEEDS prison is experiencing the “tragic consequences of chronic overcrowding,” campaigners are warning, after inspectors found “critical safety concerns” that are putting “prisoners at risk.”

A report by HM Inspectorate of Prisons, published today, says that Leeds has had one of the highest rates of self-inflicted deaths in all adult men’s prisons over the past three years, with two further suicides since July’s visit.

Inspectors said that a combination of inmates’ mental health needs and inadequate day-to-day support for those at risk of self-harm posed a serious threat to safety.

Illicit drug use and availability were also major problems, and about 40 per cent of prisoners spent up to 22 hours a day locked in their cells, with limited access to education or work.

Living conditions were poor, with 78 per cent sharing overcrowded cells designed for one person.

Howard League for Penal Reform chief executive Andrea Coomber said: “This appalling report highlights how chronic overcrowding in our prison system puts lives at risk.

“If there had been 16 self-inflicted deaths in three years in any other state facility, there would be a national outcry and calls for a public inquiry. What is being done to keep people safe?”

She said that the “urgent need for bold action to reduce the prison population is inescapable,” adding: “This prison is holding 500 more men than, by its own measure, it can hold in safety and decency.

“Such overcrowding is inhumane for the prisoners and puts unacceptable pressure on prison leaders and staff.

“Ministers must move decisively to save lives, protect staff and prevent more people being swept into deeper currents of self-harm, violence and despair.”

Prison Officers Association national chairman Mark Fairhurst said the report “highlights the inherent problems out inner-city reception prisons face.”

He added: “All too often, there is a severe lack of resources to address drug abuse, self-harm and [poor] mental health.

“Overcrowding means that prisoners face prolonged periods locked up due to insufficient activity spaces.

“The pressure on our hard-working staff is intolerable and unless we invest in adequate training, additional staff and sufficient activity spaces, the system will continue to flounder.”

A Ministry of Justice Spokesperson said: “This concerning report underlines the crisis this Government has inherited in our prisons. We are already taking urgent action to address the number of self-inflicted deaths at HMP Leeds, including improved staff training, and creating new specialised cells which ensure constant oversight of prisoners who may be at risk.

“We know there is more to do across the prison estate which is why we are also delivering the largest prison expansion since Victorian times and implementing landmark sentencing reforms to ensure prisons never run out of space again.”