Durham Prison has the highest suicide rate in the country

A 29-year-old woman serving a life sentence for arson has been found hanged in her cell at Durham Prison.

Jayne Buck, who was from Hull, was found during a routine check of the female wing on Thursday night.

Officers were unsuccessful in their attempts to resuscitate her.

The Prison Service said a full investigation had been launched into her death.

Police say there are no suspicious circumstances and the coroner has been informed.

Figures released at the end of 2002 showed Durham Prison had the highest suicide rate in England.

Speaking in January, governor Mike Newell described the figures as "a conundrum".

But he said prison staff were doing everything possible to prevent further deaths.