Investigation underway after death of Strangeways prisoner

An investigation is underway after the death of a prisoner serving an 11-year sentence at HMP Manchester, the Manchester Evening News can reveal.

It's understood Christopher Hennigan, who was 36, passed away last Thursday morning (April 4).

The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman (PPO), which carries out independent investigations into complaints and deaths in custody, confirmed a probe into his death has now been launched.

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The Ministry of Justice, meanwhile, confirmed it was also aware.

A Prison Service spokesperson said: "Our thoughts are with the family of Christopher Henningan. As with all deaths in custody, the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman will investigate and it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage."

No details surrounding the circumstances of his death have been revealed.

Mr Hennigan was jailed in August last year after he pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to possess a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence and assault occasioning bodily harm, a police force said.

He was jailed for a total of 11 years and ten months, with a three-year extended licence period.

West Yorkshire Police said a gun was fired inside a house in Leeds during an argument which resulted in a neighbouring property's window being smashed.

Mr Hennigan took the gun to the address on Elmet Way in Swarcliffe on June 12, 2022. He entered the house and during an argument, fired the weapon, the force said after he was sentenced together with another man at Leeds Crown Court.

The gunshot went through a window at the address before smashing a window in a neighbouring