A total of six pregnant inmates have been released from prison so far in a bid to protect them from coronavirus.

Suitable accommodation was being found for them before they were released, the Justice Committee said in a tweet while it was hearing evidence from Justice Secretary and Swindon MP Robert Buckland in private yesterday afternoon.

There are currently 35 pregnant prisoners and 34 inmates in mother and baby units across 12 women prisons in England.

Plans to release some prisoners early will extend to young offenders, according to the Commons Justice Committee.

On Saturday the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) announced up to 4,000 low-risk prisoners in England and Wales will be temporarily released from jail in an effort to control the spread of coronavirus.

The selected offenders will be electronically tagged and temporarily released on licence in stages, although they can be recalled at the first sign of concern.

It is seen as a way to avoid thousands of prisoners, many of whom share cells, from becoming infected.

No high-risk criminals – such as those who have been convicted of violent or sexual offences, anyone who is a national security concern or a danger to children – will be considered for release.

Prisoners who have not served at least half their custodial term will not be released.