Prison boss slams bomb hoaxers

A prison chief today hit out at the bomb hoaxers who caused major disruption at a high-security Northern jail.

More than 700 inmates were locked in their cells and went hungry after a telephoned warning that a device had been planted at the Maghaberry compound near Lisburn, Co Antrim.

No-one was able to move in or out of the jail while Army bomb disposal experts with sniffer dogs carried out a search – focusing on bags of grit and salt placed around the prison grounds for use in icy conditions.

All morning visits to the jail were cancelled and no inmates were being bussed out for court appearances.

But after the security alert ended with nothing found Alan Longwell, the Governor of Maghaberry, revealed the level of disruption.

He said: “Regrettably prisoners had to remain locked this morning and we had little option but to cancel visits.

“The night staff who remained on duty should be commended for their efforts in doing what they could to manage this difficult situation.

“The Healthcare staff on duty did visit all landings in the prison this morning to ensure that people received the medication they required.

“There was also significant disruption, through no fault of our own, to court productions and scheduled video linking consultations.

“I am grateful for everyone’s patience and understanding as we dealt with this situation this morning.”

As arrangements were made to serve prisoners with a hot meal at lunchtime, afternoon visits were to go ahead as scheduled.