HMP Leicester inmates break through cell walls during disturbance

A group of six prisoners broke through their cell walls during a disturbance at HMP Leicester, the Prison Officers Association said.

The inmates, who were being kept in a segregation unit, started damaging their cells at around 10.30pm on December 11.

The group broke through the inner walls of their cells and congregated in one cell with a stand-off with prison guards lasting for four hours.

A spokesman for the Prison Officers Association said it was not clear why the disorder took place.

He added there were no injuries to staff or prisoners.

There was no evidence to suggest the incident was an escape attempt and no external walls of the prison were compromised, a Prison Service spokesman said.

The spokesman added: "Once the situation was resolved, the offenders were transferred to other prisons as punishment and we contacted police, who are investigating.

"There was no disruption to the wider prison as a result of this incident.

"We take any damage to our property very seriously and will always push for prosecution where it is possible."