Ian Watkins has reportedly been stabbed to death in a prison attack. He has reportedly been killed behind bars after being stabbed by another inmate at Wakefield Prison. The disgraced former singer of the Welsh rock band Lostprophets, was murdered in jail in a knife attack by another inmate, The Sun reports. He is said to have had his throat slashed after inmates at Wakefield Prison were unlocked from their cells yesterday. A source told the publication: “Watkins has been killed in the most brutal way possible – and the attack was shocking, even by prison standards. He was targeted by another inmate who shanked him in the neck. Guards were nearby and raced to the scene pretty quickly – but there was nothing they could do, and they could not save him.

“It was a horrific scene, with blood everywhere and alarms and sirens going off. Police and ambulances were called and the whole prison was locked down with all cons confined to their cells. He has been attacked a few times inside Wakefield over the last few years, so perhaps this was just a matter of time.” The source added that it appeared to be a “pre-planned” attack.

A Prison Service spokesperson said: “We are aware of an incident at HMP Wakefield which took place this morning.

“We are unable to comment further while the police investigate.” A statement from West Yorkshire Police added: “At 9.39am this morning (Saturday), police were called by staff at HMP Wakefield reporting an assault on a prisoner.

“Emergency services attended and the man was pronounced dead at the scene a short time later. Detectives from the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team are investigating and inquiries remain ongoing at the scene.”

Watkins was previously stabbed in an incident at the same prison in 2023, suffering non life-threatening injuries after he was reportedly taken hostage by three other inmates before being freed by prison officers six hours later. The motivation for the attack was allegedly jealousy over Watkins giving guitar lessons to other inmates.

Watkins was sentenced in December 2013, after admitting 13 sex offences, including the attempted rape of a fan’s baby.

He was initially arrested after a drugs warrant was executed at his home in Pontypridd on September 21, 2012.

During the search, a significant number of computers, mobile phones, and storage devices were seized.
Subsequent analysis of the equipment led to the discovery of his crimes.

If you’ve been the victim of sexual assault, you can access help and resources via www.rapecrisis.org.uk or calling the national telephone helpline on 0808 802 9999.