A prisoner died at the Westgate Correctional Facility yesterday afternoon and a full investigation is to take place.

Mystery surrounds the circumstances of the man's death and Police refused to comment on how he died.

A prison officer who wished to remain anonymous said: "The fellow was last seen walking through his unit and then he hit the ground and started flipping around like a fish. He hit the ground and that was it."

A Police press release said the inmate was 37 years old but a source told this newspaper he was in his mid-20s.

The Police spokesman said: "Around 10 a.m. today, Police received a report of the sudden death of an inmate at the Westgate Correctional Facility. Details about what occurred are unclear, however the inmate, a 37-year-old man, was subsequently pronounced dead by an on-call physician.

"Inquiries into this incident are underway. No further information will be released until the next of kin has been notified."

When asked for comment, Commissioner of Corrections Edward Lamb said: "I believe that a press statement has already been published and therefore, I shall refrain from comment".

Coroner's officer Sergeant Lyndon Raynor said: "The matter is still under investigation and at this point in time I have nothing to report."

The Ministry of Labour, Home Affairs and Housing confirmed the sudden death of the inmate in a press release.

A spokesperson said: "The Ministry advised that an investigation will be conducted into the circumstances surrounding the death and that the Department of Corrections intends to cooperate fully with the Bermuda Police Service to ensure a swift resolution.

"The Ministry extends its condolences to the family of the deceased and advised that pending the outcome of the investigation no further comment will be made at this time."