The Ministry of Justice says that 2 serving prisoners will ‘face punishment’ following a significant disorder incident at HMP Isle of Wight last night (Monday).
It was shortly before 17:00 that the alarming situation began behind the prison walls, with what is understood to be 2 inmates scaling onto the roof of the prison – as well as causing criminal damage elsewhere.
After more than 3 hours, the National Police Air Service helicopter from Bournemouth was tasked to the scene and spent a short time circling in the skies above the Parkhurst area of Newport to get a bird’s-eye view of the situation.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary was made aware of the incident, with officers seen patrolling the perimeter wall throughout the evening. It is thought this was in connection with fears that a drone was being utilised to drop contraband to the prisoners on the rooftop.
Island Echo understands that specialist ‘Tornado’ teams were rushed across the Solent to get a handle on the situation, descending on the prison clad in riot gear.
The specially trained prison staff, described as being the ‘last line of defence’ when things go wrong, are called in to deal with serious incidents such as riots, barricades, and hostage situations.
However, the Ministry of Justice denies that Tornado teams were deployed to the Island, despite no fewer than 10 covert vehicles – including dog support units – seen heading back to the mainland on the 04:30 ferry from East Cowes this morning (Tuesday).
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice has told Island Echo:
“Thanks to the efforts of our staff, the incident at HMP Isle of Wight was safely resolved.
“The two prisoners involved will face punishment as disorder in prisons is not tolerated.”
The MoJ has not provided any specific details on what happened, keeping a veil of mystery on what actually goes on behind bars.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary has refused to comment on the incident.
losers doing things that losers do – bang em up until dead
What a nice steak dinner and bottle of wine maybe new PS5..you’ve been very naughty boys..won’t be long Starmer let em out anyway..