A BURGLAR has been discovered hanged on a prison ship in Dorset.

James Nolan, 27, from Penge was found hanging from a noose made with a bed sheet on June 3 by HMP Weare wardens at Portland Harbour.

Attempts were made to resuscitate Mr Nolan, but the prisoner, who had been jailed for two years at Knightsbridge Crown Court in July last year, was pronounced dead at around 1pm.

The Home Office has expressed its condolences to the family of Mr Nolan and an inquiry by the Prisons Ombudsman has been launched.

The Category C HMP Weare, opened as a temporary measure in 1997, will close later this year.