Two staff members at a London prison have died after suffering Covid-19 symptoms, the Prison Officers’ Association (POA) said.

Bovil Peter and Patrick Beckford were both support staff workers at north London’s Pentonville Prison, and were believed to be aged in their 60s. POA national chairman Mark Fairhurst said: ‘My thoughts and prayers are with everybody involved with these tragic deaths – two at the same prison is very concerning.’

Mr Fairhurst said he did not know if either of the men had any underlying health conditions. No further details have yet been released about the pair.

He described Mr Peter as ‘an experienced member of staff’ who was working at operational support grade at the prison, and ‘he died earlier this week due to Covid-19 symptoms’.

Mr Fairhurst added of Mr Peter’s death: ‘I just want to highlight the fact that this (Covid-19) puts us all at risk.

‘We are on the front line doing a commendable job on behalf of society and he will be sadly missed by all his colleagues. We wish the best for his family and friends.’

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The UK’s death toll soared again today, after another 708 hospitalised with the disease were confirmed to have died – the largest daily total. 

It means more than 4,000 people who tested positive for the disease have now died in hospital, according to official figures.

The capital has been particularly badly hit by the spread of the pandemic. 

This evening it was confirmed that five London bus workers are amongst those who have died with the disease. 

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