BBC News Online: Thursday, 24 October, 2002, 03:43 GMT 04:43 UK

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/2355401.stm

Police moved in after reports of a fire in the prison

Police and firefighters are struggling to control a major disturbance at Lincoln Prison.

Around 200 police have surrounded the closed prison, home to disgraced peer Jeffrey Archer until last week, which has been criticised recently for being overcrowded and in poor condition.

Smoke and flames have been seen pouring out of one wing of the building, amid unconfirmed reports inmates have seized control of section of the jail.

Lincoln Hospital has also launched its major incident procedure, calling in extra staff and opening a ward normally used only for day cases.

The hospital says it has so far dealt with only a small number of casualties but said some were expected to be serious.

A spokeswoman for the Prison Service said the disturbance was "serious", adding: "We are trying to restore order and stability. At present we are assessing the situation."

Police are understood to be negotiating with the inmates.

Windows smashed

BBC news reporter Laith Abou-Ragheb said smoke was billowing out of C wing - the prison's newest.

He said coachloads of riot police and a number of fire engines had arrived at the scene.

Lincoln's cells are seen as cramped and outdated

There are also reports of windows at the prison being smashed.

Laith Abou-Ragheb said: "As soon as we arrived we could see smoke pouring out of the vents on the roof.

"We couldn't see flames but it was obviously on fire. Just before that there had been the sound of banging, as if firecrackers or fireworks were being let off."

On several occasions one inmate had even appeared at a bay window and goaded police on through the glass, he added.

Ongoing incident

A Lincolnshire police spokesman said officers were called to the scene at 2010 BST on Wednesday.

He said: "Police have been called in to help following unconfirmed reports of a disturbance inside the prison complex. "At present we are supporting staff in a containment role."

The Victorian Lincoln jail, a Category B prison, has about 500 remand and convicted prisoners, an excessive number according to its board of visitors.

In September, the board said overcrowding was affecting prisoners and staff, with one wing in desperate need of refurbishment.

The Lincoln board said prisoners were being locked in cells for too long.