**Murder Investigation Launched After Ian Watkins' Death** West Yorkshire Police have arrested two men on suspicion of murder following the death of former Lostprophets frontman Ian Watkins at HMP Wakefield. The suspects, aged 25 and 43, are currently in police custody as detectives from the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team investigate the incident.

Officers were alerted by prison staff at 9.39am on Saturday, October 11, to reports of a serious assault on a prisoner. Watkins, 48, was found with severe injuries and, despite medical assistance, was pronounced dead at the scene. Sources indicate that he was attacked with a knife by another inmate.

In the aftermath of the incident, the prison was placed on lockdown. A spokesperson for the Prison Service confirmed awareness of the situation but stated they could not comment further while the police investigation is ongoing.

Watkins was serving a 29-year sentence for child sex offences, including the attempted rape of a fan's baby. He was convicted in December 2013 after a significant amount of evidence was uncovered during a police raid on his home in Pontypridd in September 2012. This included computers and mobile devices that revealed his criminal activities.

In 2023, Watkins was previously hospitalised after being attacked in prison, although his injuries were not deemed life-threatening. Reports suggested he had been taken hostage by three inmates at that time. Additionally, in 2019, he received a 10-month sentence for possessing a mobile phone in prison, which he claimed was forced upon him by other inmates.

Watkins had a history of legal challenges regarding his sentence. In 2014, he was denied an appeal against the length of his 29-year term. The Court of Appeal ruled that the severity of his offences warranted a lengthy sentence, with Lord Justice Pitchford stating, "These were offences against infant children of such shocking depravity that a very lengthy sentence of imprisonment was demanded."

The investigation into Watkins' death continues as police gather evidence and conduct interviews with potential witnesses.