A 58-year-old prisoner has died inside Maghaberry prison after apparently taking his own life.
Patrick Farren’s death in the high security facility near Lisburn is the eighth suspected suicide in the region’s jails in the last 22 months.
He is the fourth inmate believed to have taken his own life inside Maghaberry this year.
The prisoner, who was serving five years for sex offences, was found collapsed in his cell in the early hours.
The Prison Service said efforts to revive Farren, who was originally from Dungiven, were unsuccessful and he was pronounced dead shortly before 4am.
The PSNI, coroner and prisoner ombudsman have been notified and investigations have begun.
Prison Service director general Sue McAllister said: “I would extend my sympathy and that of the Northern Ireland Prison Service to the family of Mr Farren. This is a tragedy and my thoughts are with them at this difficult time.”