Armley jail in Leeds is 'most overcrowded prison in the country'
HMP Leeds is the most overcrowded prison in England and Wales, according to a new report.
Analysis of Ministry of Justice data by the Prison Reform Trust (PRT) has found that the facility in Armley is designed to accommodate 669 men but, as of October, held 1,145.
Leeds was rated as "of concern" - the lowest rating - in the Ministry of Justice's annual performance report for 2015/16.
The PRT found that five of the six jails whose performance is also described as "of concern" are overcrowded.
Campaigners have warned that 20,000 inmates are sharing cells designed for fewer occupants after a sharp jump in the jail population over the last 20 years.
The prison population, which currently stands at around 85,000, has come under the spotlight in the wake of the jail safety crisis sparked by surging levels of violence and self-harm behind bars.
Last month former justice secretary Michael Gove warned that too many people are being sent to prison, while the Lord Chief Justice has emphasised the need for tough alternatives to jail.