A prison is said to be close to 'boiling point' after two inmates died of Covid within the space of a fortnight while four others have been hospitalised with the virus.
Staff at HMP Risley in Warrington say they fear for their safety at work, the Liverpool Echo reports.
There have been coronavirus outbreaks in two wings, the Ministry of Justice confirmed, but a spokesman said there are currently 'less than a dozen active cases'.
It's understood two inmates from the Category C men's prison, one in his 40s, died at Warrington Hospital over the past fortnight after being taken in with 'breathing difficulties', the Echo reports.
A spokesman for the prison service confirmed the deaths but said: "It is rightfully for the coroner to determine the cause of death."
A source told the Echo: "It is tense on the wings, it is like reaching boiling point.
"Staff are going off sick which impacts on staffing levels, which were already under pressure before Covid.
"It is worrying, you do fear for your safety going into work."
An MOJ spokesman said there had been no positive Covid tests among prisoners or staff within the past seven days.
They said: "Our priority is to limit the spread of the virus and protect the lives of those who live and work in our prisons.
"We have taken precautionary measures at Risley, in line with public health guidance, and will continue to closely monitor the situation."
