Prison officers undergo riot training

Prison officers at Jurby have had petrol bombs and rocks thrown at them - but it was all for a good reason.

They attended a specialist training course to help learn how to resolve challenging and violent incidents.

Other prison staff hurled verbal abuse at them to simulate a prison riot, and officers were taught essential skills to help them quell unrest.

Police dog handlers also took part.

The head of the Island's Prison and Probation Service Bob McColm says violent incidents are very rare at the prison, and officers and inmates have a good relationship.

He added the techniques learned would be used only as a last resort after other means of peacefully resolving a situation had been exhausted.

He pointed out prison officers have to be prepared for all eventualities and the training helps instill a sense of trust and confidence.