Vic prisoner's death referred to coroner

The death of a prisoner found in his single-bed prison cell in central Melbourne has been referred to the coroner.

The body of the 42-year-old man was found at 10am on Wednesday at the Melbourne Assessment Prison on Spencer Street.

"As with all deaths in custody, the matter has been referred to the coroner, who will formally determine the cause of death," Corrections Victoria said in a statement.