Police urged to consider making fewer arrests over prison space

The document is signed by Leicestershire Police Chief Constable Rob Nixon, the NPCC criminal justice lead, and Surrey Police Deputy Chief Constable Nev Kemp, the NPCC custody lead.

They write that on 13 May, 282 prisoners were held overnight in cells across the country. No comparison figures are quoted.

It goes on to say that on 23 May it is anticipated that pressures on prison cells will begin to ease, as a new early release scheme comes into effect allowing some prisoners to be freed up to 70 days early.

The scheme was first introduced by the government in October, initially allowing release up to 18 days early, before then increasing this to up to 60 days in March.