More than 370 inmates and prison staff have been struck down with a mystery illness at HMP Wandsworth, officials confirmed this morning.

Staff have been told to stay away from the prison while officials from the Department of Health determine the cause of the outbreak.

Staff arrived for their shift this morning only to be told to go home and wash their hands with antibacterial gel on the way out.

They were also informed that an inmate had died. However the Prison Service said the death was unconnected with the outbreak.

One worried member of staff, who did not want to be identified, told the Wandsworth Guardian: “Inmates have been complaining of being unwell since Tuesday. Yesterday many were just lying in their cells all day.

“The smell of diarrhoea was overwhelming on one of the wings. We came in this morning and were told to leave immediately. We heard 500 inmates had come down with it and that someone had died. Nobody seems to know what it is.”

A Prison Service spokesperson said: “370 prisoners and a small number of staff at HMP Wandsworth have been taken ill with diarrhoea and sickness. Tests are being conducted by public health officials to confirm the nature of the outbreak.

“Prisoners from the prison will not be attending court today (Thursday, 17th September).

“The prison is dealing with this incident together with public health officials in line with standard procedures.”

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