WARDERS at Lancaster Castle Prison say they are concerned for their safety following a 'riot' at the weekend.

Up to 20 prisoners ransacked two dormitories on Friday night, smashing windows, furniture and electrical fittings. Inmates involved in the riot have been moved to other prisons but warders are furious the dormitories were up and running again before an inquiry team had investigated.

Hugh Reid, branch chairman of the Prison Officers' Association, said: "The officers' main concern is safety and the feeling is that dormitory wings should be converted into cells. It's incredible local managers allowed these dormitories back into use before the team had the chance to fully investigate."

It is thought the riot started after televisions were turned off early at 10pm. Staff regained control by 4.30am.

Mr Reid added: "Money which could have paid for cell conversions has been spent elsewhere, despite two successive proposals from inspectors."

An informed source told the Citizen prisoners were angry about TVs being turned off.

He said: "Normally TVs are on 'til midnight but warders turned them off early. Inmates were waiting for a film and were upset."

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