A TRANSGENDER Keighley woman who was found dead at Armley Prison in Leeds, was considered to be "at risk of self-harm", an inquest was told.

Vikki Thompson, 21, of Neville Street, died at Armley jail on November 13 after previously saying she would kill herself if sent to a male prison.

She was born male and had not undergone gender reassignment surgery, but had identified as female since her mid-teens.

Ms Thompson was in custody awaiting sentencing for robbery and was being held in a single cell.

Wakefield Coroner's Court was told last Wednesday that staff had been checking her hourly.

When she was checked at 8.10pm, she could not be seen so staff entered her cell. They found her hanging from a bunk bed.

Emergency services responded but she was confirmed dead 38 minutes later. A post-mortem found the cause of death was believed to be hanging.

The inquest has been adjourned to allow for police and Prison Service investigations.

A spokesman for Ms Thompson's family said a private family funeral service will be held at the Knowle in Keighley at 10.30am on Thursday, (Dec 3) and will be followed by a cremation.