A jail death probe is underway after a prisoner was allegedly pushed off a balcony at HMP Addiewell.
Police were called to a disturbance at the prison on Tuesday after lag Lewis Spence was found with serious injuries.
It is understood he suffered significant head injuries in the horror plunge.
He was rushed to intensive care at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. He died from his injuries on Wednesday.
A prison source told the Record Spence was “targeted” by another inmate.
The source said: “It was a targeted attack. He was pushed right over the landing.
“Other inmates were beside him when he hit the floor.
“He was in ICU when he died.”
Spence, 28, was serving time for a violent attempted murder of a 40-year-old in Edinburgh in September 2020.
He was locked up for seven years following a trial at the High Court in Edinburgh in May of last year. Spence was jailed alongside accomplices Connor Steele, 23, and Bradley Logan, 25.
Speaking at the time of sentencing Detective Inspector Kevin Tait of Edinburgh CID said: “This was a targeted, violent attack linked to organised criminality that occurred in broad daylight.
“The men were arrested following an extensive investigation and will now face the consequences of their actions. I would like to thank the members of the public for their assistance during our enquiries, which has undoubtedly assisted in securing this conviction.
“This type of violent crime will not be tolerated in Edinburgh and I hope the outcome today sends a clear message to those involved in serious organised crime, that we are committed to disrupting harmful activity in our communities and bringing the perpetrators of violence to justice.”
Police have launched a probe into the prison death which is currently being treated as unexplained.
Two men, both aged 33, have been arrested in connection with an assault following Spence’s death.
SPS confirmed a Fatal Accident Inquiry will also take place.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Two men aged 33 have been arrested in connection with an assault following the death of a man.
“Around 7.15pm on Tuesday, 17 December, 2024, officers were called to a report of a disturbance and man found injured at HMP Addiewell.
“A 28-year-old man was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh Hospital where he later died.
“The death is being treated as unexplained and enquiries are ongoing.”
A statement from SPS said: “Lewis Spence, 28, of HMP Addiewell, has died on 18 December 2024. With each death in custody, Police Scotland are advised and the matter reported to the Procurator Fiscal. Fatal Accident Inquiries are held in due course.”
Sodexo were contacted for comment.