A POLICE operation into the death of a prisoner saw no charges brought, despite five men being arrested.

Operation Knightsbridge was launched in August 2016 after Keith Abbott was found dead in his cell at HMP Haverigg with what were described at the time as being "severe" injuries.

Two men were arrested as part of the investigation in February, while three other north west prisoners were arrested on January 30 2017.

A spokesperson for Cumbria Police said: "Two arrests were made in February. However, following an investigation no charges were brought.”

Abbott, 32, of Newton-le-Willows, Liverpool, was jailed in 2015 for four years after admitting attempted robbery and possession of an offensive weapon, the Liverpool Echo reported.

He died in his cell on July 15, 2016, with the subsequent investigation forming part of Operation Knightsbridge. The operation was, at that time, said to be investigating a number of reports of physical and sexual assaults within HMP Haverigg.

The Cumbria police spokesman added:

"Operation Knightsbridge investigation has now concluded.

"There have been no charges brought and the file is now with the coroner."

A pre-inquest review will be held on Wednesday March 7, 2018 by Cumbria's senior coroner David Roberts at the Coroners Court, Cockermouth.

As with all deaths in custody, the Ministry of Justice confirm there will be an independent investigation by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman into the death.