Police are assisting ambulance crews dealing with a “medical incident” at HMP Lewes with 10 to 15 people affected, according to reports.

An incident support van with the letters “CBRN” – which stands for chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear – was spotted outside the prison on Thursday afternoon, The Argus reported.

The Brighton-based local paper also reports that two prisoners are in a life-threatening condition.

Meanwhile a decontamination tent was erected outside Eastbourne District General Hospital.

There was also reported to be a closed sign on the hospital.

The East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust later told local media that Eastbourne District General Hospital was “stood up to potentially receive casualties following an incident at HMP Lewes”.

However, it said the hospital has now been stood down and “care at the hospital has not been affected”.

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Maria Caulfield, the Conservative MP for Lewes, has said in a statement on the X social media platform: “Concerned to hear about the incident at Lewes prison. Emergency services are on scene and it is important to let them deal with the situation in looking after those affected.”

A spokesperson for Sussex Police said: “Sussex Police are assisting the ambulance service following the report of a medical incident at HMP Lewes at around 12.30pm on Thursday (28 March).”

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