The report's inspection team said the prison in Douglas - which has 77 inmates - was not suitable for lifers.

Relations between staff and prisoners were praised but its anti-bullying, suicide and racism policies were weak.

Many inspection recommendations are included in the design for the jail's replacement being built in Jurby.

'Weak areas'

This �32m prison will house 140 adult and juvenile offenders.

The inspection team's recommendation on lifers is backed by senior managers in the prison and the island's Department of Home Affairs.

The Attorney General's Chambers are being consulted to resolve the situation where three lifers are being held in the prison.

The inspection team also checked if areas of weakness, identified in the last report five years ago, had been improved.

It praised the prison's good practice in receiving prisoners, managing inmates with respect and attending to their basic needs.

Immigration detainees

But it added: "There continued to be procedural weaknesses in a broad range of areas that need to be addressed."

However the team also noted the low level of self harm and suicide incidents.

The prison takes all men and women on the island who are convicted of any offence that requires a custodial sentence.

The Chief Inspector also called for an end to the housing of people detained for immigration reasons at the prison unless they have committed criminal offences.