Birmingham jail under scrutiny after arson attack

THE Chief Inspector of Prisons is writing to the Justice Secretary to raise “significant concerns” about HMP Birmingham after cars were torched this week in an arson attack.

Peter Clarke has issued an urgent notification to David Gauke about the privately run jail following a recent inspection.

Nine cars were targeted in the attack at the prison, known locally as Winson Green – two of which were reportedly owned by members of Mr Clarke’s inspection team on an unannounced visit to look at conditions.

Nobody has been arrested over the attack, in which two masked men, one of whom was armed, used an angle grinder to cut into the parking compound before dousing vehicles in accelerant.

In a statement, Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prisons (HMIP), said: “Peter Clarke has decided to issue an Urgent Notification (UN) in relation to HMP Birmingham, following significant concerns.”

A spokesman for G4S, which runs the prison, said: “It would be inappropriate for us to comment further at this time.”