Security checks at notorious jail
BBC News - Thursday, 22 April, 2004

Some of Britain's most notorious convicts have been restricted to their cells for four days while security checks are carried out in their prison.

About 600 inmates have been held in cells since Monday in a lock-down at Category A Wakefield Prison and no visitors are being allowed in. 

It was reported the lock-down was prompted by an alert over a gun being smuggled into the jail. 

But a Prison Service spokesman said there was "no truth" in the rumours. 

He said the lock-down was part of a routine security check, although he admitted that it was not usual for a lock-down to last four days. 

And he said the current security restrictions were expected to continue on Friday. 

Inmates at Wakefield Prison include Roy Whiting, who was convicted of murdering Sarah Payne, and serial hostage-taker Charles Bronson. 

Britain's worst serial killer, Harold Shipman, was found hanged in his cell at Wakefield on 13 January.

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