Prison riots prompt investigation

A third night of rioting at a South Yorkshire prison has led to a major review being announced.

The latest disturbances spread to an adult unit at HMP Moorland near Doncaster.

Trouble on the previous two nights had been on the young offenders' side.

Fire engines, police and ambulances were called to the scene and extra prison officers were seen entering the jail to deal with the incident on Thursday night.

Prison Officers Association (POA) spokesman Glyn Travis said that no staff or inmates were thought to have been injured, but said extensive criminal damage had been caused.

"Apparently the juveniles and young offenders were locked up and the adults were allowed to come out, and when they refused to go back to their cells it all kicked off," he said.

A spokeswoman for the Prison Service said: "Prisons are secure and ordered environments housing a complex and challenging population. Incidents are dealt with professionally and efficiently by trained Prison Service staff."

The POA said a number of suspected ringleaders were segregated following the first riot at HMP Moorland.

Tom Robson, acting national chairman of the POA, said the violence was caused by "street corner gangs gathering inside our prisons".

"They continue in the only way they know, which is in a violent and anti-social manner that our members confront and manage on a daily basis," he said.

"The POA deplore this mindless violence and protection of staff and prisoners is paramount."