Prison rioters 'must be brought to justice'

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<p> Prisons minister Crispin Blunt has praised staff for their handling of riots at an open prison whilst demanding those responsible are brought to justice. </p><p> Mr Blunt was given a tour of Ford prison near Arundel, West Sussex, following Saturday's rampage by about 40 inmates. </p><p> Mr Blunt said there would be two investigations into the events, an internal one by the Prison Service and a criminal inquiry by the police. </p><p> The prisoners turned violent in the early hours after officers attempted to breathalyse them for contraband alcohol. </p><p> The rioters set light to buildings during the night and again at lunchtime, causing extensive damage to six accommodation blocks, a gym, mail room and snooker and pool rooms. </p><p> It has been claimed there were only two prison officers and four support staff on duty for a prison population of 496 when the trouble started. </p><p> Mr Blunt said: There are now going to be two inquiries, a Prison Service internal inquiry and there will be a number of issues which will have to be addressed during the course of that. </p><p> I also anticipate that there will be a police inquiry which may lead to criminal prosecutions. </p><p> I hope and expect there will be full co-operation by everyone in Ford prison to make sure that the perpetrators are brought to justice. </p><p> Praising the prison staff, he said: The prison officers were exemplary. They were able to re-establish control of the prison without anyone getting hurt which is an important achievement. </p>