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PROTEST: Campaigners have led a number of demonstrations relating to the conditions and alleged human rights abuses at Yarl's Wood

A WOMAN who collapsed and died while being detained at Yarl's Wood detention centre has been named.

Jamaican national Christine Case, 40, collapsed on the morning of Sunday, March 30, shortly after waking up.

It was revealed that the death caused panic within the immigration removal centre in Bedfordshire, the House of Commons heard earlier today.

Sources said they heard Ms Case crying for help before suffering a heart attack.

A spokesperson from the Jamaican High Commission who was informed of the death earlier today said: "It is with deep regret that the Jamaican High Commission has received news of the untimely passing yesterday of Ms Christine Case.

"The High Commission wishes to extend sincere condolences to the family and friends of Ms Case, who have since been advised of her death.

"We join them in mourning her loss and wish them God’s comfort in this difficult time."

The spokesman said the commission was "looking forward" to the outcome of the investigation into her death launched by Bedfordshire police.

Yarl's Wood is the main removal centre for women and families facing deportation. It is operated by Serco, a private security firm.

Campaigners have long been calling for the closure of the centre, including high-profile supporters such as author Zadie Smith.

A spokesman for the NHS East of England ambulance service said: "We were called to Yarl's Wood immigration removal centre at 8.17am after receiving reports that a woman was in cardiac arrest. We attended along with the air ambulance service.”

The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman has been informed.

A Serco spokesperson said it was "cooperating fully" with the relevant authorities.

"A 40-year old female resident at Yarl's Wood Immigration Removal Centre collapsed on Sunday morning soon after getting up," a statement read.

"She was immediately tended by medical staff from the Centre and by paramedics from the NHS East of England Ambulance Service, but did not regain consciousness and sadly died soon after.

"Bedfordshire Police and officials from the Coroner's Office attended the Centre to examine the scene and begin an investigation. Serco is cooperating fully with the relevant authorities in their enquiries into this tragic event. The death is not being treated as suspicious at this time."