FIVE young men are to be charged with prison mutiny after a riot at a Suffolk young offenders’ institute which caused damage valued at �200,000.

Nearly 50 inmates were alleged to have been involved in the disturbance at Warren Hill in Hollesley almost two years ago.

The incident began at around 7.30pm on November 2, 2010, and continued throughout the night.

Specialist Tornado response teams from the Prison Service were called in at around 5.45am the next day to quell the violence.

Following a lengthy inquiry by the joint Suffolk and Norfolk Constabulary major investigation team, five people are now due to appear before Ipswich magistrates where they will be formally charged.

Lisa Miller, a spokeswoman for the force said: “Four men and a male youth have been reported for summons to appear before South East Suffolk Magistrates’ Court following a disturbance at HM YOI Warren Hill in Hollesley on November 2, 2010.

“The four men, one aged 20, two 19-year-olds, an 18-year-old, and a youth aged 17, have been reported for summons for prison mutiny and public order offences.

“The date of their appearance is yet to be confirmed.”

Shortly after the riot, a spokesman for the Prison Officers’ Association said a total of 48 inmates had to be transferred to other prisons across the country following the riot – the third disturbance at Warren Hill this year.

Subsequently details released to the EADT under the Freedom of Information Act revealed the Prison Service estimated the repairs to the prison to cost about �200,000.

It said there was “extensive damage” to the building, which included “broken glass, graffiti and damage to furniture and ceiling panels”.

Two staff and three inmates were injured in the incident.

Ninety accommodation places were lost as a result of the incident.

colin.adwent@eadt.co.uk