Long Lartin prison disorder: Six officers injured in disturbance at high-security jail

Special anti-riot officers sent in to end violence

Long Lartin holds some 510 prisoners with more than three-quarters of inmates serving life sentences (PA)

Six prison officers have been injured during disorder at HMP Long Lartin, a high security men's prison in Worcestershire which holds some of the country's most dangerous inmates.

One suffered a suspected broken jaw during the disturbance at the Catagory A jail, a spokesman for the Prison Officers' Association (POA) said.

Special anti-riot officers were sent in to end the disturbance and the violence was brought to an end.

It is understood the disorder was confined to one wing of the jail and began at 9:30am on Sunday morning before being brought under control by at 6pm, nine hours later.

Seven prisoners have been placed in isolation to be transferred to other prisons.

The six injured members of staff have been admitted to hospital, the Prison Service said.

A spokesperson for the service said: "Specially trained prison staff successfully resolved an incident at HMP Long Lartin. Six members of staff were treated for injuries."

They added: "We do not tolerate violence in our prisons, and are clear that those responsible will be referred to the police and could spend longer behind bars."

Richard Burgon, the shadow justice secretary and Labour MP for East Leeds, wrote on Twitter: "Very concerning reports from HMP Long Lartin, which holds some of the most dangerous prisoners in the country.

"It is unacceptable that prison staff face such extreme violence at work.

"The government must immediately get a grip on the chaos in our prisons."

Liz Robers, Pliad Cymru MP for Dwyfor Meirionnydd, tweeted to say: "Hearing reports that prisoners have taken violent control of Cat A HMP Long Lartin wing with officers seriously injured.

"Only 30 miles from Tory conference: Rory Stewart [minister of state at ministry of justice] - go see for yourself how cuts bring chaos to criminal justice."

An investigation is under way.

Long Lartin holds some 510 prisoners with more than three-quarters of inmates serving life sentences, according to a HM Chief Inspector of Prisons report this year.

Opened in 1971, it has housed a number of high-profile prisoners, including radical Muslim cleric Abu Hamza and murderer Christopher Halliwell.

Additional reporting by agencies