'High levels' of drug-taking at North East prison results in increase in violence, report finds

HMP Northumberland (Image: mirror.co.uk)

Inspectors have found a North East prison to be "well-run", but concerns have also been raised over the availability of drugs and increased violence. An unannounced inspection of HMP Northumberland was carried out in August and September this year, and a number of concerns have since been raised.

The recently published report by HM Chief Inspector of Prisons found the Category C prison to be 'reasonably good' across all assessments. The inspection found that there were generally good staff-prisoner relations that made the atmosphere across the jail positive; this was also reflected in the amount of staff assaults, which are among the lowest in the country.

However, there were a number of concerns raised. The report states that levels of vio