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Prison officer at HMP Swaleside in Eastchurch 'stabbed in chest' during riot

Trouble at HMP Swaleside has been blamed on understaffing
Trouble at HMP Swaleside has been blamed on understaffing

Two prison officers were taken to hospital after a riot at HMP Swaleside on the Isle of Sheppey.

Staff shortages at the Eastchurch jail had reportedly meant inmates were left in their cells during the hot weather, which let to a disturbance.

It was said a senior prison officer was stabbed in the chest with a makeshift knife, another slashed in the arm and one was punched in the face and kicked.

A national newspaper also reported the security department at the category B prison has been axed.

A Prison Service spokesman confirmed two members of staff were taken to hospital with not life-threatening injuries, but said it was not to do with cell time.

They also said the prison is not short staffed and all inmates were given their usual time over the weekend of July 14, when the disturbance happened.

The spokesman also confirmed the security department is not closing.

Kent Police are investigating the incident.

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