Surging violence among Wormwood Scrubs damning report

A "dramatic" surge in violence against staff at Wormwood Scrubs forms part of a damning new report into the jail by the prisons watchdog.

Inspectors recorded a total of 90 assaults against staff in six months to July, while high levels of serious violence across the prison had resulted in significant injuries.

In its scathing assessment, HM Inspectorate of Prisons said Wormwood Scrubs also suffered from chronic staff and food shortages.

Meanwhile levels of litter meant outside areas were infested with rats and cockroaches.

The Inspectorate criticised living conditions within the prison, saying its findings formed a "concerning picture".

The Category B prison was constructed in the 19th century. Credit: PA

Among its conclusion was an insight into one prison wing at the west London establishment where 1,200 men are held.

To ensure all prisoners had a meal, staff either sourced a half-used tray from another servery or distributed "mountain survival" dried food packs, which had to be reconstituted with boiling water, it was revealed.

In many cases prison stores had not been opened for weeks, meaning staff were forced to "scavenge" for basic items for inmates.

Contraband reached prisoners too frequently due to the number of broken windows facing the perimeter wall, it was also found.

And aspects of public protection work had not been done, potentially leaving some serious issues unmanaged.

The prison is taking 'decisive action' to improve conditions. Credit: PA

The report is the latest in a series of highly critical assessments of the Category B prison, which was built between 1875 and 1891.

One staff member, according to a report in 2015, said they "wouldn't keep a dog in there".

Chief Inspector of Prisons Peter Clarke said: "Overall, this was an extremely concerning picture, and we could see no justification as to why this poor situation had persisted since 2014.

"The governor and his team were, to their credit, working tirelessly to address the problems faced."

The Ministry of Justice insisted the prison had taken "decisive action" to combat growing levels of violence and was working with a contractor to improve living conditions.