Riot at HMP Parc in Bridgend Leads to Hospitalization of Three Inmates
On Friday, June 1, 2024, unrest at HMP Parc in Bridgend, Wales, resulted in three inmates being taken to the hospital. The disturbances were described as two separate incidents. The first involved around 20 prisoners and required intervention from a special prison riot squad, known as a 'tornado team'. This situation was resolved without any injuries to prison staff. The second incident was a separate altercation between three prisoners who sustained injuries deemed non-life-threatening.
An air ambulance was present at the scene but was later stood down. G4S, the private firm managing the facility, confirmed the events and stated that those involved would face severe consequences, including potential criminal prosecution.
HMP Parc has faced significant challenges in recent months, reporting 10 sudden inmate deaths since February. The latest victim, 38-year-old Warren Manners, passed away on Wednesday under circumstances deemed not suspicious by authorities. This series of incidents has sparked protests from prisoners' families, who have criticized the prison's management and called for G4S to be stripped of its £400 million contract.
In response to ongoing issues, the UK Government has issued an improvement notice to G4S demanding urgent action on security. Notably, four out of the recent deaths are believed to be drug-related, highlighting ongoing concerns about contraband and drug use within the facility.
The prison has seen multiple arrests related to drug smuggling, including the recent apprehension of a prison employee. G4S maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward drugs and is working closely with law enforcement to address these challenges.