Coronavirus: Pentonville prison staff members die after displaying symptoms

Two staff members at Pentonville Prison in London died after displaying coronavirus symptoms, the Prison Officers’ Association (POA) has said.

Bovil Peter and Patrick Beckford were both support workers at the north London prison and were thought to be in their 60s.

Mark Fairhurst, the POA national chairman, said: "My thoughts and prayers are with everybody involved with these tragic deaths — two at the same prison is very concerning."

He said Mr Peter, who died earlier this week “due to Covid-19 symptoms”, was “an experienced member of staff” at the jail.

Speaking of Mr Peter’s death, Mr Fairhurst added: "I just want to highlight the fact that this (Covid-19) puts us all at risk.

Additional reporting from PA

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