AN INVESTIGATION is under way after a prisoner in police custody used a broken cigarette lighter to cut himself.

The incident happened in the cells at St Aldate’s Police Station after the man, convicted of a burglary at a newsagents in Oxford, was arrested for leaving the city magistrates’ court before he could be sentenced.

Claire Gourlay, a spokesman for Thames Valley Police, said that the 35-year-old man had admitted burglary at JK News in Abingdon Road on April 27.

The man again attended the magistrates' court last Friday, but left before he was sentenced. He was arrested the following day, harmed himself while in custody, and was again brought before magistrates on Monday.

Police said he had been remanded in custody until July 10 for sentencing for the burglary offence.

Ms Gourlay said a full mental health assessment would be carried out while he was waiting to be sentenced.

Supt Andrew Murray, commander for Oxford, said: “He had used a broken plastic cigarette lighter, which he is likely to have concealed internally, to cut himself on his legs and chest. A doctor was on hand to examine the injuries.

“We search all of the arrested people we bring into custody as the safety of themselves, our police officers and custody staff is paramount.

“This was a worrying incident. We do everything we can within the law to ensure prisoners are thoroughly searched for their own safety and the safety of my staff.

“The incident will be thoroughly reviewed and any lessons learned used to improve safety.”