A YOUNG offender has died at a County Durham prison.

Ryan Gorton was found unresponsive in his cell at HMYOI Deerbolt, near Barnard Castle, on Monday, May 2.

The 19-year-old, was sentenced to four years and eight months after stabbing a fellow pupil at the Rathbone Learning Centre, in his home town of Bolton, last May.

An investigation into the death will now be carried out.

A Prison Service spokesperson said: "Ryan Gorton was found unresponsive in his cell at HMYOI Deerbolt on Monday, May 2.

“An ambulance was called but he was pronounced dead shortly after.

“As with all deaths in custody there will be an investigation by the independent Prisons and Probation Ombudsman.”

An inquest will be opened tomorrow (Thursday).