Self-harm and violent attacks hit record high in prisons across England and Wales for second time in a year

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Self-harm and violent attacks have hit record levels in prisons across England and Wales for the second time in a year, despite repeated warnings that jails are at crisis point and in desperate need of reform. The data shows that self-harm incidents requiring hospital attendance increased by 12 per cent to 3,095, meaning on average nine inmates a day require hospital treatment after harming themselves. “If the government is serious about tackling this crisis then it needs to outline an emergency plan and new funds to make our prisons safe.” Andrew Neilson, director of campaigns at the Howard League for Penal Reform, meanwhile said: “With incidents of self-injury happening every 11 minutes, with assaults occurring every 17 minutes and with six people dying in prison every week, the government must act boldly and decisively to prevent more bloodshed behind bars. “Reducing the number of people in prison would save lives, protect staff and prevent more people being swept into deeper currents of crime, violence and despair.” Deborah Coles, director of INQUEST said the only way to improve safety and reduce prison deaths was to dramatically cut the prison population and invest in community alternatives.