AN INFLUX of dangerous prisoners, a shocking rise in violent attacks, short staffing and plummeting morale are detailed in a report on a North-East prison.

An annual report for 2016, released today, details the rapid deterioration of conditions at Stockton’s HMP Holme House prison in the latter half of 2016.

An “increasing number of troublesome, manipulative, dangerous prisoners” - including the arrival of 40 men from trouble-hit prisons - contributed to a bleak environment at the jail, according to its Independent Monitoring Board.

Attacks on staff and prisoners rocketed while the number of violent incidents increased by more than 73 per cent by the end of 2016, with 816 incidents logged, compared to 470 in the same period last year.

Since April 2016, there have been at least 46 assaults on staff, eight of which were classed as serious. The figure for the entirety 2015 was 20.

Low staffing levels, escalating drug use, lack of proper accommodation for high risk prisoners and the transfer of men from trouble-hit prisons are among the factors contributing to the allegedly poor conditions at Holme House.

Concerns were also raised around healthcare for residents, who have to wait around five weeks for a GP appointment and 14 weeks to see the dentist while also struggling to access adequate mental health support.

The report said: “Many beds for physical patients are bed blocked by mental health patients needing urgent high security beds in mental health hospitals… “The board feel that this is a serious problem which needs to be urgently addressed nationally.”

A frustration with inadequate provisions also contributes to outbreaks of violence at Holme House.

The report highlighted a continuing lack of access to clean kit and bedding, the doubling up of prisoners in single cells, limitations on food quality and a “regular curtailment of regime due to staff shortages.”

The report said: “Wrapped around all of this has been the constant pressure on resources which the Board has been highlighting for the last three years.

“This, coupled with an increasingly violent prison population, has made for a very challenging and often threatening environment this year with a noticeable change in the atmosphere and camaraderie around the prison.”

The IMB’s report welcomed an announcement from the Justice Secretary promising 20 more officers for Holme House, while positive achievements were also briefly highlighted, including the employment of extra staff, a move to develop better links with local employers and businesses, the planning and preparation for in-cell technology and support provided to allow for the purchase of new items to improve the fabric of cells.