Prison officers who stopped inmates taking over praised as 'heroic'

Prison officers who stopped hundreds of rioting inmates from taking over anentire jail in Birmingham have been praised as being "heroic".

Last month prisoners across four wings of Birmingham prison wreaked havoc, causing an estimated £2 million worth of damage.

More than 500 prisoners, were moved out of what is one of the country's largest prisons following the 12-hour riot, and are yet to return.

Prisoners took over areas of the prison, starting fires, destroying records and damaging equipment. Credit: BPM Media

The scene outside Birmingham prison during the riot. Credit: PA Images

As details emerge over the disturbance, the "brave" actions of a number ofstaff members have been praised.

Once inmates had control of the keys, sources told the Press Association aguard ran around the perimeter of N and P wings, double locking the doors.

Prisoners smashed their way out of the block, but 16 staff prevented prisoners from accessing the rest of the jail by guarding a gate.

Fires were started, the gate was rammed with a trolley, and staff were pelted with missiles and paint.

Investigations are now being carried out by the Ministry of Justice and WestMidlands Police.

Prisons minister Sam Gyimah said he was "incredibly proud" of the officers and those who helped resolve the disturbance.

G4S, the security firm who run the prison, said the firm was working with police to help "bring the ringleaders to justice."

As well as working with the Ministry of Justice investigation team to understand what happened and the events leading up to the disturbance.

Two men have now been charged in relation to the riot which took place on December 16 2016.