The NTRG is trained to intervene in dangerous, high-risk circumstances such as riots. They are routinely armed with pepper spray, smoke bombs and batons, and wear flame-proof uniforms, stab-proof vests and armoured gloves. Local prison riot squads, known as Tornado Teams, were deployed 13 times last year – up from nine in 2022 and four in 2021. HMP Long Lartin (Jacob King/PA)The rise in deployments comes amid increases in prison violence in a near-full estate. Prisoners are running riot and offenders are leaving prison more dangerous than when they arrived.

Source: The Times February 26, 2024 12:08 UTC