Toothache 'cause of prison riot'

A riot at Lewes jail could have been caused by a row over painkillers

A remand prisoner who complained that he was not given strong enough painkillers for his toothache may have triggered the Lewes prison riot.

About 30 inmates were involved in the incident in which one prison officer was injured and several small fires were started, causing tens of thousands of pounds worth of damage.

The Prison Officers' Association, which represents staff at Lewes, had said the disturbance followed an argument between two adult prisoners and staff over medication.

A spokesman said the situation only escalated when young offenders on the wing joined in.

The riot led to criticisms of overcrowding from Norman Baker, Lewes MP, who said the jail had too many prisoners and not enough staff and was "a tinderbox waiting to be set alight".

But the Prison Service defended safety measures saying the prison estate could accommodate current numbers of prisoners without compromisng safety.

An inquiry at the jail is under way.