Staff at one of the UK’s most dangerous prisons ‘forced to flee after 100 cell doors suddenly swung open by mistake’
Mass unlocking said to have happened during a weekend of turmoil
STAFF at one of the UK's most dangerous prisons were reportedly forced to flee after a security breach saw 100 prisoners' cell doors spring open.
The malfunction is said to have happened during a weekend of turmoil, which allegedly saw inmates starting small fires in protests against drug searches.
The incident happened at maximum security Maghaberry Jail in Northern Ireland and saw two officers run for safety, Belfast Live has reported.
A source told Belfast Live: “The jail is awash with drugs. It is out of control.
“There were a number of fires, mostly on Sunday. That’s nothing other than prisoners hitting back against searches."
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The source continued: “Much more worrying though was the unlocking. There were just two members of staff. Cells unlocking are your worst nightmare.
“Thankfully the staff managed to make their way to the end of the wing grilles.”
An investigation is underway into the mass unlocking of cells.
Northern Ireland Prison Service said: "NI Prison Service can confirm 2 fire incidents at Maghaberry during the weekend 1 and 2nd October 2016.
"The first at Bush House was reported at 8.15pm Saturday 1 October. A prisoner had set fire to rubbish and damaged contents of his cell.
"The fire was quickly extinguished by NIPS staff. There were no injuries to prisoners or staff and no evacuation of any prisoners was necessary."
The statement continues: "At 1.30pm on 2 October a fire was reported in Erne House. Rubbish was ignited and pushed into a service duct.
"The fire was extinguished prior to the arrival of the NIFRS and again no evacuation of any prisoners was necessary. There were no injuries to prisoners or staff.”
The disruption allegedly happened in the maximum security prison's Quoile House block, which can accommodate about 160 inmates.
Last November inspectors described Maghberry as the most dangerous prison they had come across.
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