Emergency services rushed to HMP Lewes in East Sussex this afternoon in response to distressing reports of approximately 10 to 15 prisoners falling ill, with at least two individuals now reportedly in critical condition. The incident, which remains ongoing, unfolded around midday when authorities received alarming accounts of multiple casualties believed to have been poisoned within the prison premises.
The South East Ambulance Service promptly dispatched paramedics following the distress call. The East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service disclosed that they are collaborating with other agencies and specialist teams to determine the cause of the concerning situation. Currently, a substantial presence of emergency responders, including at least eight ambulance, police, and fire service teams, is mobilized at HMP Lewes.
While precise details are still emerging, The Argus reports that at least two individuals are in critical condition, although this information has yet to be officially confirmed by emergency services. The gravity of the situation was further underscored by the deployment of a decontamination tent outside Eastbourne Hospital, approximately 16 miles away, with signs indicating closure due to a “major incident.”
An incident support unit CBRN ambulance, specializing in handling chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear emergencies, was observed outside HMP Lewes, adding to the intensity of the response effort. HMP Lewes, a category B prison accommodating 692 inmates.
