Girl, 18, dies while in custody at HMP Styal women's prison in Cheshire as an investigation is launched

An investigation has been launched after an 18-year-old girl died while in custody at HMP Styal women's prison in Cheshire. 

Annelise Sanderson, who was found dead on Tuesday, has been described as the 'kindest of girls' by friends.

Police were called to the prison in Wilmslow, south of Manchester, at 6:40am following the teenager's 'sudden death', which is not being treated as suspicious.

An investigation into her death has been launched by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman.

An investigation has been launched after Annelise Sanderson, 18, died while in custody at HMP Styal women's prison in Cheshire

Her friends have now paid tribute to the 'funny, caring and kind' young woman. 

'She wasn't just anybody, she was our friend and was truly loved by all who met her,' they said. 'Annelise lit up any room she walked into by signing or laughing.

'She touched the hearts of all who knew her and was the most funny, caring and kindest of girls.

'She had a way of making you laugh even when you didn't want to, that was down to her bubbly sense of humour.'

Her heartbroken friends described her as 'talented beyond belief' and said she loved to sing and dance.

'We never thought we would ever have to write this about our girl and our hearts are broken,' they continued. 

'She will forever live on and not a day will pass where she isn't remembered.

'Fly high beautiful but always stay close. We miss and love you so much.'

Police were called to the prison in Wilmslow, south of Manchester, at 6:40am following the teenager's 'sudden death', which is not being treated as suspicious. Pictured: HMP Styal

Ms Sanderson is the fifth inmate to die at HMP Styal over the last three years. 

In March last year, Christine Macdonald, 56, was found collapsed in her cell whilst serving a sentenced at HMP Styal. She was rushed to Wythenshawe Hospital but later died. 

Susan Knowles, 48, was found dead at the prison two months later.   

Nicola Birchall, 41, died while in custody at the prison in February 2018 while four months later Imogen Mellor, died.     

A Prison Service spokesperson said: 'HMP Styal prisoner Annelise Sanderson died in custody on 22 December and our condolences are with her family and friends at this difficult time.

'The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman has been informed.'

Cheshire Police said in a statement: 'Officers were called at around 6.40am on Tuesday 22 December following the sudden death of a 18-year-old woman at HM Prison Styal in Wilmslow.

'The death is not being treated as suspicious. A case file will be prepared for the coroner.'

Ms Sanderson is the fifth inmate to die at HMP Styal over the last three years. Pictued: HMP Styal

HMP Styal is currently being investigated following the death of a baby at the prison in June.   

It is understood that neither the woman or staff were aware she was pregnant until she went into labour on the toilet on June 18.

Four months later, in October, the prison went into lockdown following an outbreak of Covid-19.

Inmates who tested positive for the virus were told to remain in their cells or prison houses as Public Health England worked with prison bosses to manage the outbreak.

As a result, all visits were suspended.

The Ministry of Justice did not say how many inmates and staff members had tested positive for the virus and declined to comment on whether or not any inmates had become ill enough to require hospital treatment.

Prisoners were allowed to stay in touch with their families through secure video and phone calls and were allowed time out of cells and exercise where possible.

HMP Styal, a former orphanage, was first opened as a women's prison in 1962 to serve female inmates from Strangeways, in Manchester.

It is the only female prison in the region with a capacity of 486 inmates.