Five ‘highly dangerous’ prisoners break out onto roof

ARMED gardaí threw a security cordon around Limerick prison last night after five high security prisoners broke out onto the A-wing roof.

The garda helicopter beamed search lights on to the scene as the drama unfolded.

About 30 outside protesters were prevented getting near the prison gates.

They were complaining about the treatment of prisoners.

The five on the prison roof, all from Limerick, are regarded as highly dangerous.

It is believed the protest was sparked by the transfer of a well-known Limerick criminal from the prison to Cork prison yesterday.

The break out happened shortly after 6.30pm when prisoners were let out from their cells for evening recreation which lasts until 8pm when cells are locked for the night.

There have been heightened tensions in A-wing since one prisoner was viciously assaulted at around 10am on Wednesday.

He survived life threatening stab injuries when knifed in his cell by a prisoner who had been brought overnight for a family visit that day.

The prisoner, who was repeatedly stabbed, had given evidence against his attacker in a recent trial.

The garda helicopter monitored events at the prison last night as the five prisoners continued their rooftop protest.

Gardaí, under Supt Gerry Mahon and Det Insp Jim Brown, were liaising with prison authorities.

Extra gardaí have also been drafted in to the Southill area because of tensions heightened over two shooting incidents.

Last night’s prison rooftop protest comes at a time when there has been little or no violence in Limerick involving the main feuding gangs.

“There are more than 50 gang members in jail, some doing long time,” said a Garda source.