An inquest has been opened into the death of a prisoner at HMP Littlehey near Huntingdon. 

Prison staff found Brian Walters struggling for breath on October 27 and called the emergency services.   

The 68-year-old was taken to Hinchingbrooke Hospital where he is said to have suffered a further cardiac arrest.  

"Attempts to revive him were unsuccessful,” Caroline Jones, an area coroner for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough said during the brief hearing to open the inquest.

Mr Walters died later the same day and a provisional cause of death has been given as a heart attack.  

Ms Jones said: “As this is a death occurring while Mr Walters was detained by the state, an inquest will be heard on April 10 of next year before me.  

“I therefore adjourn the matter until that time and extend my condolences to the family of Mr Walters.” 

The inquest opening was held today (Thursday) in Huntingdon at Lawrence Court.  

The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman will also carry out an investigation which is a standard procedure for all prisoner deaths. 

HMP Littlehey is a Category C male prison and only holds those who have been convicted of a sexual offence.