Muslim gangs have launched a violent takeover of a drug-addled Kent jail, prison watchdogs have warned.
HMP Swaleside has been placed under special measures after it emerged the religious gangs had gained unchecked control.
Charlie Taylor, HM chief inspector of prisons, described the jail as dangerous, dirty and plagued by drugs, with a “pervasive sense of despair”.
The Category B prison received the lowest scores Mr Taylor has ever recorded during his five-year tenure as chief inspector.
Local watchdogs had already raised concerns about gang culture at the facility.
Nearly a third of inmates at Swaleside are Muslim.
Rival gangs have clashed over drugs and territory throughout the year, with reports of racist comments and discrimination against Jewish prisoners.
Watchdogs described violence as a “constant theme” and called the manufacturing of bladed weapons on site “ominous”.
“Drug use, especially the prevalence of spice, and the presence of weapons are highlighted as urgent, unaddressed issues contributing to a highly dangerous environment.”
HMP Swaleside (pictured) has been placed under special measures
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PA
They added: “A recurring theme is the perception of widespread violence, including bullying by both prisoners and staff, as well as unchecked gang control, particularly by religious gangs, which many prisoners report feeling powerless and unsafe against,” watchdogs said.
Staff suffered 107 assaults over a three-month period, with 70 per cent triggered by officers giving instructions.
Six inmates were attacked or stabbed on their first night at the prison.
Drones regularly dropped contraband including knives into the facility.
Inspectors found widespread graffiti, fire damage, broken furniture and mouldy showers.
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Six inmates were attacked or stabbed on their first night at the prison
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PA
Three-quarters of surveyed prisoners reported feeling unsafe, while a third said they had been assaulted.
Watchdogs attributed the problems to severe staffing shortages and inexperience among officers.
Close to half of prison staff have less than one year’s experience in the role.
“It is completely unrealistic for any organisation to expect so many new recruits to understand the required role without guidance from more experienced officers. This has an impact on the running of the prison, conduct, safety and violence,” they said.
Assaults occurred across all residential wings, making the issue difficult to address.
“Of great concern to the Board is that these assaults happen across all residential wings, making it a complicated issue to solve. It is likely that prisoners, or those instructing them, are seeking to condition staff to not carry out their duties.”
Prisons minister Lord Timpson acknowledged the findings were deeply troubling – while Justice Secretary David Lammy must now produce an emergency action plan.
“This is a deeply concerning report and I’m disappointed we have failed to achieve the required standard,” he said.
“Work is under way to rapidly reduce violence, improve safety and drive up standards. We will publish an action plan in the coming weeks to support them in these efforts.”
Lord Timpson blamed the previous government for the state of the prison system.
“But the sad fact is we inherited a broken prison system, with too many jails like HMP Swaleside breeding further crime. That is why we’re building 14,000 new prison places and reforming sentencing to end this crisis for good, reduce reoffending and keep the public safe.”
