Intervening in the prison’s ‘catastrophic’ drug problem

A crackdown was planned following a dam inspection in a rodent-infested prison where drug use was at “catastrophic levels”.

HMP Manchester, known as Strangeways, by HM Inspectorate of Prisons “most violent” men’s prison There is urgent need for improvement in England and Wales.

In response, the Prison Service planned to install new CCTV, networking to combat drones, a pest control strategy and new staff training.

Prisons and probation minister Lord Timpson said the latest inspection report made for “horrifying reading” and highlighted the “hard realities of the prison crisis”.

The government stepped in to support inspectors who found high levels of drugs and violence, including large numbers of weapons and serious assaults, compared to all other prisons.

“Dilapidated” conditions were also discovered during the rat infestation, including several broken windows and inadequate levels of cleanliness.

Prisoners who were released early from their sentences in September to ease prison overcrowding described Strangeways, which was first built in the 1860s: “disgusting” and full of drugs and violence.

Some noted that rats were “bigger than your hand” and provided easy access to drugs, while drones dropped contraband onto walls.

Lord Timpson recently visited the prison to meet the governor and said staff were “working hard to reduce violence and improve conditions”.

“This action plan will ensure they get the support they need,” he said.

As part of the prison’s measures, specialist staff will be assigned to better identify and support vulnerable prisoners at risk of self-harm.

Others will deliver new training to frontline officers to improve the management of violent offenders.

A new pest control strategy is being implemented and a team has been assembled to carry out emergency repairs.

The prison will also complete a review of the education it offers and redesign its curriculum.

Additional reporting by PA Media