The bodies of the man and woman were found in separate cells. Two prisoners, a man and a woman, have been found dead in their cells at Hydebank Young Offenders Centre on the outskirts of Belfast.
Samuel Carson, aged 19, died shortly after 1700 BST on Wednesday despite efforts by prison staff to revive him in his cell at the prison’s Elm 1 wing.
Frances McKeown, 23, was found in her cell a few hours later during a routine check by staff in Ash 4 wing.
The prison service said a ligature had been removed from each prisoner’s cell.
A spokesperson for the service said the families of both prisoners had been informed.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland, the coroner and Prisoner Ombudsman have also been informed and their investigations are ongoing.
The director general of the Northern Ireland Prison Service, Colin McConnell, said the tragic events at Hydebank Wood had stunned everyone.
“At this very difficult time I offer my sympathies to both the Carson and McKeown families. They are in the thoughts and prayers of our entire service” he said.
“I also want to recognise the efforts made by the staff who were on duty at the time, who did everything they could to bring about a different outcome.”
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