AN INQUIRY has been launched into the death of a Sheppey prisoner who was found hanged in his cell.

Prison officers at Elmley jail, Eastchurch, found Michael Smith, 37, hanged from a ligature made of torn bed sheets in a single cell on Sunday night. He was on remand at the prison accused of aggravated burglary.

A Prison Serivce spokeswoman said staff tried to revive Mr Smith and a paramedic team was called, but he was pronounced dead about 20 minutes after being found.

The spokeswoman added that a senior governor from another prison would hold an investigation into the death. The coroner has been informed and an inquest will be held.