Disturbance at Ranby Prison

Talks are taking place at the Ministry of Justice this afternoon to discuss a riot over the weekend at Ranby prison - which was branded unsafe last week by the prison watchdog.

Specially-trained guards were sent in to quell the disturbance involving around 60 prisoners, who took control of one wing of the jail on the outskirts of Retford for several hours. The prison service says no one was injured, but there was some minor damage. The Ministry of Justice is yet to respond to a request for comment.

A disturbance involving prisoners at HMP Ranby has ended according to the Ministry of Justice.

The department said in a statement: "The disturbance at HMP Ranby has ended safely. No staff or prisoners injured. Visits tomorrow will take place as normal."

Shouting and banging could be heard as a security vans left HMP Ranby where a disturbance involving prisoners is ongoing.

A number of vehicles from the GEOAmey prisoner escort and custody company were seen entering the facility.

When they left a short time later banging could be heard on the sides of the vehicles and shouting from inside was heard.

Firefighters joined their colleagues from the police at HMP Ranby where a disturbance involving prisoners is ongoing.

Shortly after 7.30pm around 15 firefighters arrived outside the prison and began putting on their full kit before walking in through the main gate.

Officers carrying shields and other equipment were also seen going into the prison earlier.

Glyn Travis, assistant secretary of the Prison Officers' Association (POA) said today's disturbance was "no surprise" to the POA.

Labour MP John Mann, whose Bassetlaw constituency includes the prison, said his repeated warnings that "dysfunctional" management and serious staff shortages would lead to disaster had been ignored by ministers and prison officials. He said there were 80 fewer prison officers than previously - a 20% reduction - with many experienced individuals having been "forced out" over the past two years.