Emergency crews were called to HMP Wandsworth on Saturday morning, where convicted rapist Russell Brand is being held on remand ahead of his sentencing on Monday.
Three ambulances, two ambulance cars and fire crews were called to the south-west London prison at around 9.46am, according to Crime Watch. A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said crews were called at 9.46am and their involvement in the incident had concluded by 10.20am.
No further details have been released about the reason for the emergency response. Authorities have not said whether the incident involved a prisoner, a member of staff or another person on site, and there has been no confirmation of injuries or whether anyone required hospital treatment.
Brand, 51, was convicted of rape and three counts of sexual assault at Southwark Crown Court on Thursday, 5 November, after a trial lasting nearly four weeks. He was refused bail following the verdicts and is due to be sentenced on Monday, 9 November. Mr Justice Bennathan warned him that he faces a substantial prison sentence.
The former comedian and television presenter is understood to be spending his first weekend in custody at the Category B prison. The emergency response drew heightened attention because of Brand’s recent arrival — but authorities have made no official link between the incident and the high-profile inmate, and it remains unclear whether Brand was involved in any way.
Photographs published by The Sun showed multiple emergency vehicles outside the prison.
Brand was convicted after a trial lasting nearly four weeks. Police fear at least 10 more victims may come forward following the verdicts, with the Metropolitan Police reviewing fresh reports from next week. The force has also received two further rape allegations, with files passed to specialist prosecutors. No further charges have been announced.
The victims in the case have called for changes to the way rape trials are run, and the prime minister has said he will look at reform. Brand is due back at Southwark Crown Court on Monday for sentencing.
The emergency at HMP Wandsworth remains unexplained. We will bring you the latest updates as they become available.
