A grandfather who called asylum seekers in a Rotherham hotel “child killers”, has died aged 61. 

Peter Lynch, had pleaded guilty to violent disorder at Sheffield Crown Court. He was serving two years and eight months.

The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman have launched an investigation into his death at HMP Moorland, where his body was found on Saturday night.   

At his sentencing on 22 August, the court heard that Lynch had diabetes, thyroid issues, angina, and had recently suffered a heart attack. 

Body-worn camera footage played to the court showed Lynch calling the police “scum” outside the Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham on 4 August. 

Lynch, of Burman Road, in Wath-upon-Dearne, Rotherham, had four adult children and three grandchildren. His barrister described him as “very caring” and a “family man”. 

Over 200 asylum seekers were housed in the hotel as rioters broke in and attempted to set it on fire. 

Lynch was one of over 50 men jailed at Sheffield Crown Court in relation to the riots.