FOUR prison officers were injured when a fight broke out at Long Lartin prison - the worst disturbance at the prison for 15 years according to a union member.

Inmates at the high security prison underwent a full stand-down search following the incident that left two prison officers needing hospital treatment.

Mick Redman, prison office and branch secretary of the Prison Officers Association said trouble flared on Saturday shortly after inmates went on to the prison fields for exercise and a dispute broke out between prisoners. Blades were spotted and when officers stepped in to restrain the individuals other inmates challenged members of staff.

He said: "There was a bit of a fracas and blades were used but in order to make a clean search of the area it was decided to detain those involved. This caused some problems with inmates - a couple of them ran away as they were held and other inmates attacked members of staff."

An estimated 70 prisoners and 30 officers were on the field during the incident and dogs were brought in to bring the situation under control.

One officer received puncture wounds to the arm and another suffered a head injury - both were signed off duty. Another two suffered minor injuries.

A Prison Service spokesperson said: "There was a minor disturbance at Long Lartin on Saturday morning and investigations into the incident are still ongoing."