West Midlands prisons staffing at 'crisis level'

Staffing levels at jails in the West Midlands are in a "crisis" position, according to the Prison Officers' Association (POA).

The trade union said staff were being asked to travel hundreds of miles to help fill staff shortages in the area.

In some cases, prison officers are travelling from as far as Northumberland, the POA said.

In a statement, the Ministry of Justice said staffing levels were within national guidelines and were "appropriate to run a safe and efficient prison".