Inquiry after riot at open prison

An open prison is the subject of an inquiry after inmates went on the rampage and set fire to buildings.

Specialist prison guards have managed to restore order at Ford open prison in West Sussex - but part of the building is still on fire.

Reinforcements had to be called in after about 40 prisoners began a riot and set the building on fire.

The prisoners began smashing windows, activating fire alarms before setting the building alight at about midnight on New Year's Eve.

Staff were forced to retreat from the section and police and specialist prison officers were called in.

The Prison Officers' Association say the violence began after staff tried to breathalyse some of the 200 prisoners.

Serious questions are now being asked about how a group of convicts were allowed to go on the rampage.

Prisons Minister Crispin Blunt said 150 prisoners were being moved to closed conditions, either because they were involved in the disturbances or because of damage to their accommodation.