The man charged with the murders of Soham schoolgirls Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman is in a critical condition in hospital after a “sucide attempt” yesterday.

Ian Huntley was taken to a hospital near HMP Woodhill, Bucks, early yesterday morning. He is said to be in a stable but critical condition.

The 29-year-old is understood to have taken an overdose of anti-depressants.

The Prison Service is investigating how Huntley was able hide up to 29 prescription pills in teabags in his cell.

Huntley was caretaker of Soham Village College when the two ten-year-old girls went missing in August last year.

He has admitted conspiring to pervert the course of justice but has denied murdering them.

Prison officials have already begun investigating this morning’s events, and Government ministers have been briefed, the Prison Service said.

Huntley’s girlfriend Maxine Carr, 26, has denied charges of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.