The 30-year-old man was found shortly after 1600 BST on Friday at the privately-run Parc Prison, Bridgend.

A full and urgent inquiry has been instigated in line with Home Office approved procedures

A statement by Securicor

The man, named as Sean Barry Richings, from the Gwent area, was taken to the Princess of Wales Hospital in Bridgend but later died.

His family were at his bedside when he was declared dead by hospital staff in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Mr Richings was serving a 17-month sentence for perverting the course of justice.

An inquiry has been launched into his death.

The last person to die at the prison from hanging was a 20-year-old Newport man, who was also found in his cell, in December last year.

Sir David praised the prison for reducing suicides

A spokesman for Securicor, the firm employed to run the prison, said: "We can confirm that an adult prisoner was found hanging in his cell at HM Prison Parc at approximately 1620 BST on the evening of the 20 September.

"Prompt action was taken by prison officers and trained medical staff.

"First aid was administered and an ambulance was called.

"He was taken to hospital where he received further medical attention.

"His condition deteriorated and he was declared dead by hospital staff at 0300 on the 21 September. His family were present.

"A full and urgent inquiry has been instigated in line with Home Office-approved procedures."

Problems and suicides

He added: "We would like to pass on our sincere condolences to Mr Richings' family.

The �82m prison has suffered a number of high-profile problems and suicides by inmates since it opened in 1997.

But in March last year it was praised by the then Chief Inspector of Prisons, Sir David Ramsbotham, for being "well managed" and addressing some of the criticisms his previous inspection.

Sir David said Parc Prison had gone on to develop very good systems to deal with sex offenders and drug addicts and to minimise suicides and bullying among its then 835 inmates.