Prison authorities at Erlestoke Prison are investigating a small fire yesterday, thought to have been caused by a discarded cigarette.

Governor Andy Rogers confirmed the incident, saying: “There was a small fire in one of the workshops of the prison.

“There was no damage and the workshop was back in action with offenders working today.

"There were no injuries to staff or offenders and there was a quick and good response from prison staff and the local fire services for which I am grateful.”

The cigarette is thought to have been dropped by an offender and this is subject to internal investigation.