Bedford Prison 'riot' as 'hundreds of inmates ransack guards' offices, set fires and steal medical

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• published: 07 Nov 2016
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Police and specialist guards were sent to Bedford Prison following claims of a 'riot' involving 'hundreds' of prisoners. Emergency services were dispatched to the Category B men's prison in Bedfordshire this evening after the large 'disturbance'. It comes amid claims inmates carrying blades are ransacking guards' offices, setting small fires and stealing medical supplies. Some prisoners took video footage of the chaotic scenes from inside their cells - apparently using prohibited mobile phones. In the footage, inmates can be seen apparently trying to smash windows with wooden beams, 'rampaging' in corridors and even smoking. One man, claiming to be an inmate, told Mirror Online: "We've got control of the prison." An inmate tries to smash a window in video footage sent to Mirror OnlineAn inmate tries to smash a window in video footage sent to Mirror Online Video: Inmate tries to smash window during 'riot' South Beds News AgencyEmergency crews were sent to Bedford Prison this eveningEmergency crews were sent to Bedford Prison this evening South Beds News AgencyPolice raced to the Category B men's prison after the large 'disturbance'Police raced to the Category B men's prison after the large 'disturbance' The man, who said he is not involved in the drama, claimed that police officers have swarmed to the prison as inmates 'walk around with knives'. He said: "It started off as a little joke about. But now every wing is open. "Prisoners are walking around with knives and coshes. They've nicked mobile phones out of the office, everything's been smashed." Control freak subjected partner to terrifying attack spanning several hours - because she went out "The police are outside and all the guards have left the prison." He added that as many as '300' prisoners are involved in the disturbance, which is alleged to have started in the facility's 'B wing' a couple of hours ago. Video: Prisoners 'riot' inside the jail After an operation that lasted more than six hours, the situation was brought under control. A Prison Service spokesman said: "Specially trained prison officers and staff from the emergency services have successfully resolved an incident involving a number of prisoners at HMP Bedford. "An investigation into this incident will take place. We are absolutely clear that prisoners who behave in this way will be punished and could spend significantly longer behind bars." It comes several months after the new chief inspector of prisons said standards at Bedford Prison had declined to 'unacceptable levels'. South Beds News AgencyIt comes amid claims inmates carrying blades are ransacking guards' officesIt comes amid claims inmates carrying blades are ransacking guards' offices South Beds News AgencyPrisoners are also said to be setting small fires and stealing medical suppliesPrisoners are also said to be setting small fires and stealing medical supplies South Beds News AgencyA police officer is pictured standing outside the prison, situated just a 10-minute walk away from the town centreA police officer is pictured standing outside the prison, situated just a 10-minute walk away from the town centre In a report, Peter Clarke said an inspection in May had found many inmates living in cramped conditions at the Victorian-built jail. He said prisoners claimed it was easier to get drugs than clothes or bedsheets at the facility, which is alleged to be 'understaffed'. Speaking to Mirror Online, the man claiming to be an inmate said many of his fellow prisoners are angry at officials over their treatment. READ MORE Carjackers mow down Volkswagen owner before deliberately smashing vehicle through front of city bar He said inmates had seen their 'association' time cut back and were being 'fed at their cells' like 'dogs' ahead of this evening's riot. A woman claiming to be a friend of a prisoner also spoke to Mirror Online about the 'riot', saying CCTV had been 'cut off' inside the prison in St Loyes Street. "Prisoners are trying to break through the windows," she said. South Beds News AgencyOne man, claiming to be an inmate, told Mirror Online: "We've got control of the prison"One man, claiming to be an inmate, told Mirror Online: "We've got control of the prison" South Beds News AgencyPolice on the scene Follow Bedfordshire Police ✔ @bedspolice We're currently working alongside partner agencies to assist HMP Bedford following reports of unrest within the prison earlier today 3:45 AM - 7 Nov 2016 82 82 Retweets 43 43 likes Reports claim some inmates are also setting small fires and grabbing guards' weapons. The Prison Officers Association (POA) said some guards had retreated to a 'safe place' and national teams of riot-trained officers had been deployed. Steve Gillan, POA general secretary, said: "We do know there's concerted ill-discipline if not a riot situation going on in Bedford.