LIVE: Prisoner spotted on roof of Strangeways prison - latest updates

An inmate has been spotted on the roof of Strangeways in Manchester. A series of witnesses contacted the M.E.N. to report that a prisoner has climbed onto the roof of the prison - officially known as HMP Manchester.

The building – still known to many by its former name 'Strangeways' - is one of the country's largest high security, category A men's prisons. The jail, to the north of Manchester city centre, which has capacity for over 1,200 inmates, was rebuilt following the infamous Strangeways riot of April 1990 – the biggest disturbance in prison service history.

The M.E.N. has asked the Ministry of Justice for a comment.

We will provide live updates on this breaking news below.

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A Prison Service spokesperson said: "We are working with emergency services to bring the prisoner down safely."

It is understood talks continue with the inmate who is not said to have threatened to harm himself or anyone else.

A spokeswoman for Greater Manchester Police said: "At around 4:30pm today (Wednesday 12 April 2023), officers were called to a concern for welfare of a man on Southall Street.

"Emergency services are currently at the scene with specialist negotiators.

"Road closures in and around Southall Street will remain in place until further notice. Members of the public are asked to avoid the area. There is believed to be no wider threat to the public."