Prisoners being moved following riot at private jail

SOME 240 prisoners are being moved out of HMP Birmingham after a riot.

Hundreds of inmates were caught up in the disorder and four wings at the privately-run jail were damaged during the disturbances on Friday, which lasted for more than 12 hours.

Riot squads were deployed to the category B prison run by G4S after reports of prisoners setting fire to stairwells and destroying paper records.

A Ministry of Justice spokeswoman said: “Two hundred and forty prisoners are being transferred out of HMP Birmingham following a serious disturbance.

“The prison remains calm and ordered with additional staff on site to offer support. The Prison Service will continue to work closely with G4S to manage the prison safely over the coming days.

“A full assessment of the damage is under way. Initial reports indicate that two wings suffered superficial damage, with more serious damage to a further two wings.

“A limited regime is being offered to those who were not involved in the disturbance and staff continue to work closely with West Midlands Police.

“A thorough investigation into the disturbance is under way.”

The city centre jail, formerly known as Winson Green, can hold up to 1,450 inmates. It is understood around 260 prisoners were caught up in the incident.

Specially-trained prison guards, known as “Tornado” squads, from other parts of the country were backed up by around 25 riot police.

One man, believed to be in his 20s, was taken to hospital with a facial injury as well as cuts, bruises and a reduced consciousness, West Midlands Ambulance Service said. No prison staff were injured.