PRISON reformers have mounted a scathing attack on Home Secretary David Blunkett after he admitted that celebration was his first thought on hearing of the death of serial killer Harold Shipman.

Mr Blunkett said he was initially tempted to "open a bottle" on learning the news but quickly realised celebration was inappropriate.

Campaigners and officials were just as quick to criticise his frank comments made to journalists.

Harry Fletcher, assistant general secretary of probation union Napo, said: "It was a very unfortunate remark that will cause offence to many relatives of the victims who would have hoped that Shipman would one day tell the truth about the murders."

The former Hyde GP, who is believed to have killed up to 260 people, was found hanged in his cell at Wakefield Prison on Tuesday.

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