Further arrests after Ian Watkins killed in prison

Two men have been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder in connection with the death of singer Ian Watkins at HMP Wakefield.

The former Lostprophets frontman, who was serving a 29-year sentence for child sex offences, died after being attacked at the high-security jail on 11 October.

West Yorkshire Police said the men, aged 23 and 39, were arrested at the jail on suspicion of conspiracy to murder.

Det Ch Insp James Entwistle said: "Extensive enquiries remain ongoing in relation to the murder of Ian Watkins and these arrests form part of that."

He added: "Ian Watkins' family are being updated as the investigation progresses.

"However, we do not anticipate any immediate developments at this stage."

The force said both men were "in police custody and will be interviewed over the course of today, they will then be bailed and returned to prison while enquiries continue".

Two men, 25-year-old Rico Gedel and 43-year-old Samuel Dodsworth, have already been charged with murder and are due to stand trial in May 2026.

An inquest into Watkins' death is due to open at Wakefield Coroner's Court on Friday.

Watkins was jailed in 2013 after he admitted 13 offences, including the attempted rape of a baby.

Prior to his conviction he had been the frontman of the rock band Lostprophets.

Formed in Pontypridd in 1997, the four-piece became one of the UK's biggest bands, securing 11 top 40 hits and a number one album between 2002 and 2010.

In a statement released after his conviction, the band's remaining members said they were "heartbroken, angry, and disgusted" at his crimes, adding that their "hearts go out" to his victims.

Last month a report on conditions at HMP Wakefield said violence had "increased markedly" since a previous inspection in 2022.

It also said the prison's "infrastructure was in a poor state", citing "repeated breakdowns of essential equipment" and "some significant elements of the prison's perimeter security systems".