A PRISONER has been beaten to death at HMP Long Lartin maximum security jail near Evesham.

The victim - confirmed by the Prison Service to be 56-year-old Sidonio Teixeria - suffered severe head injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene yesterday (Monday) morning.

Police arrested a second inmate in his 60s on suspicion of murder, and, as of this morning (Tuesday) he remains in custody.

Detective Inspector Paul Hardman, of West Mercia Police, is leading the murder investigation.

He said: "A thorough and robust investigation has been launched.

"These enquiries are in the early stages so we are unable to provide more information at this time."

The incident took place at around 9am on Monday at the high security men's prison, in South Littleton.

According to reports by the national media, the victim was pronounced dead while prison staff waited for paramedics to arrive.

West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) confirmed it was called to a medical emergency at the jail shortly before 9.10am on Monday.

An ambulance and a paramedic area support officer were sent to the scene and found the victim in cardiac arrest.

A WMAS spokesman said: "On arrival crews found a man in cardiac arrest.

"Crews immediately commenced advanced life support but unfortunately it became apparent nothing could be done to save him and he was confirmed dead at the scene."

A report by Sky News says the victim was attacked in a prison workshop while inmates began their daily routines.

Sky News also say the incident took place following what is thought to be a long-held dispute between two prisoners.

A Prison Service spokesperson said: "On Monday 20 June, prisoner Sidonio Texeira died at HMP Long Lartin.

"In addition to the police investigation, there will be an investigation by the independent Prisons and Probation Ombudsman. It would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage.”

Nigel Huddleston, MP for Mid-Worcestershire, said: “I take this alleged murder very seriously.

"Someone has died in a prison in my constituency and the death needs to be investigated properly.

"Both the inmates and those who work in prisons need to feel that they are safe.

"I visited Long Lartin prison last year and I have met prison officers several times so I know what a great job they do in very difficult circumstances every day to try and keep themselves, prisoners and visitors safe.  

"As the investigation is in its early stages it would be inappropriate for me to comment further on this particular case, but more must be done to reduce violence in prisons generally.

"There is no single, simple solution to the issue of violence in prisons. The nature of offenders and the widespread availability of psychoactive substances have both contributed to making prisons less safe over recent years. 

"Reducing the availability of drugs has been a particular focus of the ongoing Violence Reduction Project.

"Legislation has recently been brought in to ban certain ‘legal highs’ and it is now an offence to smuggle new psychoactive substances into prison.

"Mandatory drug testing of prisoners for psychoactive substances is being piloted and more than 300 dogs have been trained to sniff out drugs in prisons.

"The government recognises the need to bring our prison service into the 21st century."