Investigation into Laois prison death in Portlaoise

An investigation is underway into the death of a prisoner at the Midlands Prison in Portlaoise.

The Irish Prison Service confirmed the death took place over the Easter weekend at the Laois jail.

"As with all death in custody, the Irish Prison Service, the Office of the Inspector of Prisons and An Garda Síochána investigate where circumstances warrant," the IPS said.

While the csuse of death will be determined by the Coroner's Office, an overdose is suspected. The deceased is understood to be aged in his 30s.

The medium security jail can accomodate 870 male inmates.