AN INDEPENDENT inquiry has been launched after the death in prison of a Grimsby man.

The Prisons And Probation Ombudsman is investigating the death of Andrew Needham, 44, who was on remand accused of stabbing a man in the head.

CRIME SCENE: Police at the scene of the stabbing alleged to have involved Andrew Needham

The charge of wounding Darren Smith with intent to cause grievous bodily harm in Milton Road on February 3 has now been formally dismissed at Grimsby Crown Court.

Prosecuting, Phillip Evans said Mr Needham had died in Hull Prison.

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An inquest has now been opened by the Hull And East Riding Of Yorkshire coroner Geoffrey Saul.

The investigation is focusing on how certain material was obtained by Mr Needham in his cell. He died four days before his 45th birthday.

A Prison Service spokeswoman told the Grimsby Telegraph: "At about 8.10am on March 2, a member of staff at HMP Hull found prisoner Andrew Needham unconscious in his cell.

"Prison healthcare staff and paramedics attended, but he was pronounced dead at 8.33am.

"As with all deaths in custody, there will be an investigation by the Prisons And Probation Ombudsman."

The independent body will prepare a file for the coroner, who is due to resume the inquest later this year.

As reported, Mr Smith, of Milton Road, suffered a number of stab wounds in the attack. Humberside Police were called to a house there by the ambulance service at 11.20am.

Mr Needham was arrested shortly after the attack.

An eyewitness at the scene said the victim had been stabbed in the head and was suffering from a number of injuries.

His condition was initially thought to be critical, but thanks to surgeons at Grimsby's Diana, Princess Of Wales Hospital, he was treated successfully and discharged several days later.

Mr Needham, formerly of Sherwood Road, Grimsby, appeared first at Grimsby Magistrates' Court on February 14 and was remanded in custody by magistrates to reappear at Grimsby Crown Court on Monday.