AN investigation has been launched after inmates at a local prison rioted for more than six hours.

Up to 40 prisoners at the privately-run HMP Forest Bank, on the Prestwich border, barricaded themselves in on Sunday evening.

The rioters started fires on their 60-bed wing and continued the stand-off with prison staff until the early yesterday.

Following negotiations, the prisoners returned to their cells.

A spokesman for the £46 million prison said: "Staff successfully regained control of the wing at about 3.30am. All prisoners were accounted for."

The spokesman added that one prisoner sustained minor injuries, although hospital treatment was not necessary. There were no injuries to any of the prison staff.

The riot comes just days after the prison, which also houses young offenders, was officially opened by Princess Anne.

At the time of her visit, last Monday (July 24), director Mike Goodwin boasted of a "copybook" start for the prison since it opened in January.

Damage caused to the wing as a result is currently being assessed and the stand-off is the subject of both internal and police investigations.