Eighteen prison officers hurt in Maghaberry Prison riot
The riot happened when 35 loyalists went on the rampage in Maghaberry Prison outside Lisburn, Co Antrim, overnight.
During a 10-hour orgy of violence they smashed up snooker and table tennis tables to use as barricades.
It was the latest violence linked to demands for segregation from republicans.
Fires were started before they eventually gave up, some waving white handkerchiefs, as a team of officers prepared to move in to regain control.
Windows, cookers and microwaves were smashed in the wanton destruction, which left the inmates without heat, electricity or water supplies.
The Prison Service said last night the men had been locked in their cells all day and would remain so for the time being. Meals were being delivered to the cells.
Heating and water supplies have been resumed and emergency lighting installed, said a spokeswoman.
Repair work was ongoing and there was no electricity for such things as cell-based TVs, she added.
Eighteen prison officers were injured, mostly suffering from the effects of smoke inhalation, and 15 reported sick yesterday.
All the loyalist inmates were examined by prison medical staff and none were reported to have been injured, said the spokesman.
Away from the jail, Police Service of Northern Ireland chief constable Hugh Orde said two pipe bombs found and defused in North Belfast were linked to the prison protest. “We are convinced it was part of a plan by loyalists to disrupt the community on the back of the prison dispute.”
Sources within the prison claimed the prisoners were looking for a return to the days of the Maze Prison when paramilitaries had control of their own sections. The Prison Service insists it will remain in control of the jail but, on the back of a report published last autumn, it is in the process of introducing the separation of loyalists and republicans.
About £7 million has been spent on modifying two blocks at the prison to introduce permanent segregation of the rival factions and work was due to be completed by next month.
A prison source said inmates were unhappy at the additional security measures to be introduced to ensure control and protect the safety of staff and prisons.
Assembly member Ian Paisley Jnr, Democratic Unionist Policing Board member, said the Government had to explain what sort of regime they were running in Maghaberry.
“Is it segregation? Or is it separation? Whatever it is, it isn’t working.
“We are in danger of becoming the laughing stock of Europe if we don’t watch out,” he said.
