Long Lartin prison: Serious disorder at Worcestershire jail

Serious disorder has broken out at a high security prison in Worcestershire.

About 10 prisoners are involved with the disturbance at HMP Long Lartin which began when inmates reportedly took over a wing after attacking staff with pool balls.

One prison officer has been hurt and staff retreated from the wing as inmates cause damage to the building.

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) said “specialist staff” had been deployed “to manage an ongoing incident”.

“We are absolutely clear that prisoners who behave in this way will be punished and face extra time behind bars,” added the MoJ spokeswoman.

The injured officer has gone to hospital after indirectly sustaining a minor injury.

Earlier reports said 70 prisoners were involved in the disorder.

Prison Officers’ Association general secretary Steve Gillan tweeted: “At moment we do not know all the facts but we fully support all our members at Long Lartin who are clearly facing a difficult evening with a disturbance.”

The prison holds more than 500 of the country’s most “dangerous and serious” male offenders, according to a 2018 report from HM Chief Inspector of Prisons.

At the time of the inspection around a quarter of inmates were Category A, the highest security classification, and more than 75% were serving life sentences.

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