SIX prison officers were injured in a riot at a Worcestershire prison.

One member of staff suffered a suspected broken jaw during the disturbance at HMP Long Lartin on Sunday, Prison Officers' Association (POA) spokesman said.

The prison near Evesham holds some of the country's most dangerous and serious offenders, with more than three-quarters of inmates serving life sentences, according to a HM Chief Inspector of Prisons report this year.

It is understood the disorder was confined to one wing of the Worcestershire jail and began at around 9.30am before being brought under control by around 6pm, after specialist "Tornado" personnel staff were deployed.

Seven prisoners were placed in isolation to be transferred to other prisons after the incident.

An investigation is under way.

Shadow Justice Secretary Richard Burgon tweeted: "It is unacceptable that prison staff face such extreme violence at work.

"The government must immediately get a grip on the chaos in our prisons."

A Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We do not tolerate violence in our prisons, and are clear that those responsible will be referred to the police and could spend longer behind bars."

Opened in 1971 the prison has housed a number of high-profile prisoners, including radical Muslim cleric Abu Hamza and murderer Christopher Halliwell.

An inspection of the prison carried out in January found there was a "well-controlled environment" but warned that, while overall levels of violence had not risen, assaults against staff had gone up.

The incident is the latest to spark scrutiny of the prisons estate nationally, much of which has been hit by surging levels of violence.

Last month there was disruption after national industrial action was taken by prison officers .

That action was called in response to a report by Chief Inspector of Prisons Peter Clarke who raised the alarm over the potential for a "complete breakdown" in order and discipline at HMP Bedford.

The POA trade union has also previously hit out at levels of violence against prison officers, overcrowding and safety issues in the prison system.