A PRISONER in a top security jail set his cell alight after hiding a lighter inside his body.

Michael Pompeo, 29, started the blaze in the segregation wing at Durham Prison after he was sent there for attacking his paedophile cellmate.

Newcastle Crown Court heard how he was strip searched on the way into the unit at 6am, but less than two hours later an officer on duty discovered the blaze.

Prosecutor John Evans told the court: "He was strip-searched in accordance with regulations.

"Since he was able to set the fire, he must have concealed the lighter."

The court heard how officers had to risk their own lives to dash into the cell and save him, along with the 200 other prisoners on the wing.

Pompeo, from Bradford, was being held in custody after he caused a 70-mile 125mph police chase, starting in Carlisle.

His barrister, Ian Suggett, said he attacked his cellmate because he had not been warned he was a paedophile.

Pompeo was jailed for three years after he admitted aggravated vehicle taking, assault, arson and damaging property. He was also banned from driving for three years.