The number of prisoners killing themselves in jail rose by nearly a third in 2002, it has emerged.

A total of 94 inmates died in prison in England and Wales over the last 12 months compared to 73 the previous year - a rise of 29%, according to Home Office figures.

Every death in custody is devastating for the victim's family Prisons minister Hilary Benn

The figures follow a critical end of year report by the chief inspector of prisons, Anne Owers, who highlighted how in one week alone eight prisoners killed themselves - five within a 24 hour period.

She blamed the "debilitating and chilling effect" of overcrowding for the rise in suicides.

Ministers have described the figures as disappointing after failed attempts to curb suicides.

Martin Narey, the director general of the Prison Service, said the system faced an increased flow of prisoners - many of them vulnerable and at risk.

It has already been predicted that the prison population is likely to continue rising, with the Home Office estimating the current record population of 73,000 could rise to 110,000 by June 2009.

Overcrowding

Prisons minister Hilary Benn said: "I am saddened and very concerned about this year's rise in suicides, which is particularly troubling after significant falls in the previous two years.

"Every death in custody is devastating for the victim's family and has a profound effect on other prisoners and staff".

He said efforts to develop the strategy to prevent suicide over the past 18 months would continue in the coming year.

The suicide rate is rising faster than the prison population, at 133 per 100,000 prisoners this year compared to 110 in 2001.

This is still lower than the peak rate of 140 per 100,000 prisoners in 1999.

Mr Narey: Sympathy for families

As well as the 94 deaths a further 141 prisoners were resuscitated by prison staff after trying to harm themselves.

Mr Narey described the increase in suicides as a tragedy.

"My heart-felt sympathy goes to the relatives and friends of those who have died", he said.

"Staff skill and alertness have undoubtedly saved many other prisoners from killing themselves," he said.

But he said the Prison Service faced a "very challenging time" from an increased flow of prisoners and an increasingly risk-laden prison population.

It would continue to better identify and care for those most at risk of suicide, he went on.

Even in the best case scenario for prisoner numbers - where the numbers jailed and average sentence lengths remain at 2002 levels - the total will still rise from just under 73,000 to 91,400 by June 2009, according to the Home Office.

Experts have predicted the government would need to build 49 extra jails at a cost of �3.5bn to house the extra inmates.

The number of prisoners increased by 7% in the first nine months of this year alone.