Three UK prisoners have been hospitalised as a result of spider bites, with one inmate reportedly told he could 'lose his leg', according to a recent report by the Independent Monitoring Boards (IMBs). The findings, which cover incidents across the prison system, also include a separate death by fire at HMP Garth in Lancashire.
Spider Bite Incidents at Bullingdon Prison
The IMB report highlights serious spider bite cases at Bullingdon Prison in Oxfordshire between September and November 2025. Two prisoners required hospital treatment, and one was warned he could lose his leg due to the severity of the bite. The report underscores ongoing pest and vermin infestations in UK prisons, with a 'severe rat infestation' also noted at Feltham prison in west London.
Fire Safety Concerns at HMP Garth
At HMP Garth, south-west of Leyland in Lancashire, a prisoner died in a fire. The IMB cited this incident as evidence of a 'lack of working fire alarms in parts of some prisons', raising serious concerns about safety protocols.
Broader Prison System Failures
IMB national chair Jane Leech described the overall state of UK prisons as 'a crumbling estate and relentless population pressures' in a year 'marked by both enduring challenges and repeated upheavals.' She added that procedures meant to safeguard vulnerable individuals frequently failed them, with seriously unwell people harmed by lengthy detention and disproportionate use of force behind closed doors.
Andrea Coomber, chief executive of the Howard League for Penal Reform, stated that the report 'reveals the gulf between the rhetoric we hear in Westminster and the reality we see in overwhelmed and under-resourced jails up and down the country.'
Violence and Weapons at Feltham Prison
Further concerns were flagged at Feltham prison, which houses only 100 boys. In August 2025 alone, 50 weapons-related finds were made, highlighting ongoing violence and security issues.
Government Response
Prisons Minister Lord Timpson acknowledged the challenges, saying: 'We have seen positive improvements across the estate thanks to strong leadership, but we know more needs to be done.' He outlined measures including creating 3,000 more prison places, investing over half a billion in maintenance and security, and recruiting hundreds more officers. Landmark sentencing reforms, alongside £4bn for 14,000 new prison places by 2031, aim to ease pressure, while over £40m has been invested in physical security to clamp down on contraband.
