Inmates' hunger strike continues

The smoking ban was introduced in March

Prison inmates at Victoria Prison in the Isle of Man are continuing a hunger strike over a smoking ban.

The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) said seven inmates at the Douglas jail refused food on Saturday, the third day of their protest.

The total ban at the prison was introduced in March in line with the island's smoke-free laws.

The DHA said the prisoners were being monitored closely by staff, and were still drinking fluids.

Prisoners cannot smoke at all as the DHA said allowing smoking just in the external yards would be difficult to police.

Prison closure

It said inmates would have to be issued with tobacco going out, then searched on their return to prevent tobacco being smuggled inside.

Prison management also claimed that medical advice showed allowing prisoners to smoke for one hour a day would be worse than a total ban, as it would severely hamper withdrawal.

Prisoners who have refused food are able buy food from the prison shop.

Victoria Prison is due to close next month and inmates will be moved to a new purpose built £41m prison in Jurby.