A man has died following a stabbing in Cork Prison after a row with a fellow inmate over a TV remote control.

The man, understood to be in his 40s, suffered fatal chest and throat injuries after apparently being slashed with a home-made blade.

He was attacked by a fellow inmate following an apparent dispute over a remote control for a TV.

The incident, which occurred shortly after 5pm, was immediately stopped by Prison Service staff but not before the man had sustained critical injuries.

He received emergency medical treatment at the scene.

However, he is understood to have died before he could be transferred by ambulance to Cork University Hospital.

The man suffered from a significant chest injury as well as major blood loss.

An investigation is now underway into the incident.

The other inmate involved, a man in his 20s, has been moved to a secure holding cell.

The prisoner suspected of being behind the attack has a history of violence and is serving a sentence for a serious assault.

A number of other inmates witnessed the fatal attack.

Statements are now being taken from the prisoners involved and from Prison Service staff who intervened in the matter.

Sunday Independent