Report lifts lid on drug problems at Haverigg Prison

Drug use has led to serious problems at Haverigg Prison Credit: PA

Widespread drug use at Cumbria’s Haverigg Prison is leading to "unprecedented levels of violence, bullying and sexual assault", inspectors have warned.

The use of so-called “legal highs” has been so bad that it has led to the closure of a number of accommodation units at the prison.

The Independent Monitoring Board report raised a number of concerns about the impact of drug use at the prison near Millom.

The use of "legal highs" is described as a "game changer" which is leading to violence and serious sexual assualts.

The problems led to the closure of the three of the seven accommodation units last October which had long been criticised for being old and difficult to police.

The move reduced the capacity of the prison from 654 inmates to 286.

The report also raised concerns about the speed of response to violence from prisoners and adequate access to mental health support.