THE death of an armed robber in prison has sparked an investigation.

Sean Andrew Jarvis, of Hollin Street, Blackburn, was found hanged at HMP Dovegate in Uttoxeter, Staffordshire.

The 28-year-old, who was jailed for six and a half years for attempting to hold up McDonald’s in Ewood, Blackburn, with a handgun in 2014, died on November 9.

He had been serving an eight-year and four-month prison sentence for a vicious assault on three men outside Dixy Chicken takeaway in Darwen Street, Blackburn, in May.

An independent investigation has now been launched by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman to establish the circumstances of his death.

Andrew Hague, South Staffordshire’s coroner, is to hold an inquest into his death with the date provisionally booked for June.

HMP Dovegate hit the headlines recently after an unannounced inspection discovered high levels of violence, self-harm and drug use.

The inspectors also reported alcohol and drugs were ‘too readily available’ at the Serco-run facility and that a fifth of assaults at the prison were deemed ‘serious’.

But the facility was praised for its programmes to help offenders quit substance abuse, the good living conditions and the respect shown by staff.

A Prison Service spokesman said: “HMP Dovegate prisoner Sean Andrew Jarvis, 28, died in custody on Tuesday, November 9.

“As with all deaths in custody there will be an independent investigation by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman.”

A spokesman for the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman said: “An independent investigation will be held into the death, which would establish the facts in the case and provide a report for the coroner and establish if any lessons could be learned for the prison service.”

Jarvis’ latest crime was described as ‘violent and unprovoked’ by police and involved him slamming one of his victim’s heads into the pavement seven times before he was then kicked.

As well as his prison term, he was also given a further five years on extended licence after Judge Robert Altham at Preston Crown Court deemed him to be a ‘dangerous offender’.

Speaking after the sentencing, Det Con Tom Wignall, said: “This was a shocking, violent and unprovoked attack.

“The CCTV footage of the assault is some of the worst I have seen in my time as a police officer.

“Jarvis carried out a brutal and sustained attack, leaving three men prone on the floor.

“The three victims all suffered varying injuries, with the man with the bleed on the brain injury still suffering the impact of this assault to this day.

“Sickeningly, Jarvis kicked out twice towards the heads of two of the men as they lay defenceless on the floor. His actions were utterly abhorrent."

His funeral took place yesterday at Pleasington Crematorium.

He he leaves mum Julie, brothers Mark and Stephen as well as children Maisie and Tyler.