AN INVESTIGATION has been launched after a North Devon youngster was found dead at a young offenders’ institute.

Jordan Buckton, aged 20, whose previous address was Furze Park Road, Bratton Fleming, was found hanging in his cell at HM Young Offenders Institution Portland, in Dorset, at 6.45am on Saturday.

A prison spokesman said staff and paramedics tried to resuscitate Jordan but he was pronounced dead at 8.05am.

Jordan was the third young man inside a week to die while serving time in a young offenders’ institute in England.

Jake Hardy, 17, was found hanging in his cell at a young offender institution in Wigan and died last Tuesday.

Hours later, 15-year-old Alex Kelly was discovered unconscious at a juvenile prison in Kent and was pronounced dead the following day.

Jordan’s death brings the number of young people aged under 21 who have taken their own lives in prison since 1990 to 244 — something prison death charity INQUEST say is inexcusable.

INQUEST said: “We believe that the readiness of the courts to place young offenders in prison has terrifying results and that even the death of one young person while in the care of the state is one too many.

“INQUEST believes that for many young people, prison is an inappropriate place where their experience of imprisonment can contribute directly to their death.”

The Prison Service said in a statement: “Every death in custody or the community is a tragedy for families and has a profound effect on staff and other offenders.

“The National Offender Management Service is committed to reducing the numbers of deaths in custody.

“Each death is subject to an investigation and, since 2004, these have been undertaken by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman.”

A friend of Jordan’s, Lisa Williams wrote on the Journal’s website: “RIP Jordan Buckton (Jad). You will be sadly missed by all, you were one of a kind.

“You truly amazed people by literally everything you did. Your presence was felt by all who met you.

“Behind your behaviour at times I knew a warm and gentle person, at times sensitive.

“Such a tragedy and to lose you is beyond words. Never forget you, ever. Wherever you are I hope you’re in peace, love you, sleep tight xx.”

Jordan, who had a personality disorder, was sentenced to four years in custody last May, after pleading guilty to unlawfully wounding Alec Newstead, to racially abusing a doctor, and to causing actual bodily harm to David Grundy.

During his trial at Exeter Crown Court defence barrister Richard Crabb warned Jordan was at risk of self-harm and on anti-psychotic medicine.

But the HMYOI Portland website says the prison, which can hold 483 young people, does not cater for anyone with psychiatric issues.

It says: “The prison will not accept prisoners with outstanding court appearances, outstanding external medical appointments or who require 24 hour medical care, long term psychiatric treatment or who are unable to use stairs.”

Jordan’s death will now be investigated by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman.

The case was opened and adjourned by the West Dorset Coroner on Monday, and an inquest date will be set at a later date.