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THE governor of a high-security jail has defended its record, after four prison officers and two inmates were injured in a brawl.

David Thompson spoke out after reports claimed up to 60 prisoners were involved in a riot in Frankland Prison, near Durham.

About 12 prisoners were involved in a fight, at about 5pm last Friday. Inmates had just been allowed out of their cells for exercise when a scuffle broke out in a communal area.

One inmate was slashed across the face with a suspected home-made knife, another was punched and kicked and a prison officer suffered a broken arm. Three injured officers and both injured inmates needed hospital treatment.

A prisons spokeswoman said: "Staff intervened very quickly and brought the incident under control."

Earlier in the day, a fire broke out in a cell, thought to be that of al Qaida terrorist Kamel Bourgass. Algerian Bourgass, 34, is serving life for the murder of Special Branch detective Stephen Oake in Manchester in 2003.

The fire was discovered at about 11.40am and extinguished by prison officers.

No-one was injured.

Police are investigating both incidents. Reports had claimed the attack was revenge for the fire, but a prisons spokeswoman said there was no evidence of a link.

Prison Officers' Association spokesman Steve Cox said: "There is an ongoing problem at Frankland borne out of terrorist prisoners being housed with other prisoners."

Mr Thompson said: "We deal with prisoners from all walks of life."

1:32pm Friday 4th July 2008

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