TENS of thousands of prisoners are committing self-harm in jail, hundreds die in custody and dozens kill themselves, the latest findings from the Ministry of Justice showed today.

Prisons recorded 53,754 incidents of self-harm — a rate of one every 10 minutes — representing a 3 per cent increase in men’s prisons and 7 per cent in women’s prisons. 

There were 288 deaths in custody, of which 66 were suicide, and 20,077 assaults — a 13 per cent rise 

The number of deaths has fallen in the 12 months to March compared to the previous year during the pandemic, but the number self-harming has increased.

Howard League for Penal Reform director Andrew Neilson said: “Today’s figures show a complicated picture of a struggling prison system. 

“While fewer people have died in custody than when the Covid-19 pandemic was at its height, it is concerning to see self-harm rising again. 

“The picture is particularly worrying in women’s prisons, where rates of self-harm and assault are higher than among men. 

“It provides further evidence that prisons fail to meet the complex needs of women, many of whom have been victims of crime and abuse themselves. 

“Women who are vulnerable need a safe space, not a cell. 

“With a new prime minister about to be chosen, there is an opportunity to change direction and prevent more suffering. 

“Shelving plans to expand the prison system, including a projected 40 per cent rise in the number of women behind bars, would save lives, protect staff and guide more people away from crime and despair.”