The Mount riots: Armed police storm prison as inmates seize wing in second day of chaos
RIOT police stormed HMP The Mount for the second time in 24 hours after prisoners seized one wing in scenes of mass unrest.
Riot police arrive at HMP The Mount for the second day of riots
The Hertfordshire prison has been struggling with staff shortages, and saw huge riots break out yesterday afternoon.
Chaos continued today with multiple prisoners involved in a lengthy disturbance across two wings at the jail.
The incident came on the same day as a report warned the prison had lost experienced staff and last summer suffered problems including violence.
HMP The Mount is facing severe staff shortages
Today, prisoners armed with weapons seized control of part of Nash wing, which houses 250 inmates including many who are serving short sentences or have only three months left to serve.
Prison affairs academic and blogger Alex Cavendish tweeted: "HMP The Mount: hearing about more trouble this morning. Staff said to have 'lost control' of part of Nash Wing. Awaiting more info."
He then added: "HMP The Mount: report that Tornado Team has been called in. Command suite set up."
The large-scale disturbance comes just days following a warning that trouble was "brewing" amid staff shortages and a lockdown at the category C prison which holds more than 1,000 inmates.
HMP The Mount: hearing about more trouble this morning. Staff said to have 'lost control' of part of Nash Wing
During yesterday's chaos, the Tornado squad was sent in with police vehicles pictured at the prison and ambulance crews and fire engines also seen at a former airfield close to the jail.
No staff or inmates were injured, and the incident is believed to have been brought under control by 10pm.
However it is thought around 50 cells were damaged in the riots.
Police rushed to HMP The Mount this afternoon after inmates seized two wings
Riot polcie were also called to the Hertfordshire prison on Monday
Now armed officers have been deployed a second time, after prisoners took over Nash wing and mashed up their cells and broke windows.
A Ministry of Justice spokesman said: "Specially trained prison staff have been deployed to HMP The Mount to resolve an incident involving a number of prisoners.
"The situation at the prison remains contained and there is no risk to the public."
Footage of the fire in HMP Birmingham Prison riot
Meanwhile, prison officers have quelled a similar disturbance at Erlestoke jail in Wiltshire.
A Prison Service spokesman said: "Staff successfully resolved an incident involving a small number of prisoners at HMP Erlestoke on 1 August.
"The offenders responsible will be referred to the police and could spend longer behind bars."