AN inquest has been opened into the death of a prisoner found dead in her cell at HMP Styal.

Sarah Boyle, 35, was discovered unresponsive in her cell on July 20 by a prison officer, it was heard at Cheshire Coroner’s Court on Wednesday.

Medical staff attended the scene, and she was resuscitated before being transferred to Wythenshaw Hospital where she later died the same day.

An investigation has been launched into her death by HM Prison Service which will be conducted by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman (PPO).

The investigation comes following a spate of deaths of prisoners at the Wilmslow-based prison, with former inmates having described it as ‘hell on earth’.

Area coroner of Cheshire, Victoria Davis, confirmed during the hearing that an inquest was required due to the ‘unnatural cause of death’.

The inquest has been adjourned until April 22, 2025.