The funding of mental health care for Scotland’s prisoners must be increased after the number of self-harm incidents “skyrocketed”, an MSP has said.

Figures show there were 762 incidents in 2018, compared to 532 in the previous year - a jump of 43 per cent.

Injuries include burns, cuts, attempted suicide, ligature injuries, overdoses and swallowing items.

The figures were published following a Freedom of Information request made by the Scottish Liberal Democrats.

The party’s justice spokesman, Liam McArthur MSP, said: “Incident numbers have been on an upward trajectory for years but last year they skyrocketed.

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“The scale of self-harm in Scotland’s prisons is devastating. This must prompt serious new investment in prison mental health care.

“Staff, prisoners and the communities they return to have every right to demand better. We need more mental health professionals deployed in our prisons now. This will help save lives.”

A Scottish Government spokesman said: “We recognise that people entering the criminal justice system often have complex needs. This is why in recent years SPS (Scottish Prisons Service) have improved reporting procedures and awareness of the risks of self-harm among prison staff, ensuring that cases are properly recorded and appropriate care and support are provided.

“SPS are working closely with NHS staff, responsible for mental healthcare provision in Scotland’s prisons."