Police are investigating a wrecking spree in which cars belonging to members of staff were 'smashed up' outside Forest Bank prison in Salford. Three cars belonging to staff members were attacked on Sunday night, the Manchester Evening News has learned.
The damage has been reported to Greater Manchester Police, which has launched an investigation, according to prison bosses.
In May, the prisons' watchdog slammed the privately run prison - operated by Sodexo for the Ministry of Justice - which was 'unable to fill its role successfully'. Their report also noted 'an ongoing problem with mice'.
READ MORE: Defiant Boris Johnson finally announces resignation as Prime Minister as he addresses the nation
The motivation for the attack on staff cars on Sunday hasn't been revealed, but a source familiar with the prison said they were 'smashed up' just before midnight.
A spokesperson for HMP Forest Bank told the M.E.N: "We can confirm that three cars were damaged while parked at HMP Forest Bank on the night of July 3, 2022 by an unknown person. The police have been informed and are investigating."
May's damning report by HM Inspectorate of Prisons detailed 'cramped and overcrowded cells' in the category B jail. The watchdog's unannounced visit in February found the jail had 1,354 prisoners, nearly 300 above its baseline capacity.
The report was a major setback for the management of the prison. In January the Manchester Evening News reported Sodexo was to keep the contract for now after beefing up security and carrying out a major refurbishment.
This followed the issuing of a 45-day improvement notice by the government in August. The 'significant concerns and rectification notice' was slapped on the jail by the Ministry of Justice. The prison is operated by Sodexo Justice Services and if progress had been not made, the company could have lost the contract which is scheduled to run until 2025.
READ NEXT:
-
Boris Johnson is going... these are the 11 scandals which led to his downfall
-
LIVE: Police and fire crews evacuate homes on Bolton street after 'item of concern' found - updates
-
Tragedy as 'amazing' and 'cheeky' rugby player drowns in hotel swimming pool on family holiday
-
M60 crash between police car and van shut all lanes near Salford
