A CONVICTED arsonist has been found hanged in his cell at a prison in Redditch.

The Prison Service said Mark Taylor, who is from the Coventry area, was found at HMP Blakenhurst on Friday, September 14.

Prison healthcare staff and paramedics tried to revive him but failed.

He died half an hour later.

Taylor, 43, was awaiting sentence at Coventry Crown Court for arson with intent.

An investigation is under way, prison chiefs said.

A spokesman for the Prison Service said: "Every death in custody is a tragedy and our sympathies are with the family of Mr Taylor at this time.

"As with all deaths in custody, the prisons and probation ombudsman will conduct an investigation."