British prisoner cuts off own penis and flushes down the toilet

In one news story set to make you wince, a UK prisoner has reportedly been treated in hospital after cutting off his penis and flushing it down the toilet.

The inmate at Bristol Prison was found by wardens after the alarming incident and an ambulance was promptly called.

Paramedics arrived at the prison at roughly 10am where they treated the unnamed man who is believed to be in his 40s.

According to the Telegraph, the man suffered from serious loss of blood and was unconscious.

A spokesman for the Prison Service confirmed that the prisoner’s injuries were self-inflicted and that there had been no other inmates or staff members involved.

He said: "A prisoner from HMP Bristol suffered injuries during an incident on Friday. Paramedics were called and the offender was taken to hospital for further treatment."

A similar incident occurred at the same prison back in November 2007 when an inmate attempted to harm themselves by cutting their penis with a razor.

Campaigners for prison reform have highlighted their concern following the most recent incident, claiming that authorities are not meeting the needs of some of the inmates, particularly those suffering from mental health issues.

Juliet Lyon from the Prison Reform Trust told they Telegraph: "Prisons hold a number of people with complex needs, some of whom could be diverted at police stations or courts into the treatment they need.

"For those who have to be in custody I think more could be done for them."