Prisoner treated after cell fire at HMP Winchester

HMP Winchester holds up to 706 male prisoners

A prisoner needed medical treatment after a fire broke out in a cell at HMP Winchester.

Crews were called to the Hampshire prison amid reports of a blaze on B wing.

The Ministry of Justice confirmed there had been a "small fire in a single prison cell".

A prison service spokeswoman said there were no injuries to staff or prisoners and the fire service attended just as a precaution.

A South Central Ambulance Service spokesman said: "We had a call from the fire service at 3.02pm about a fire in a prison cell.

"We sent our hazardous area response team and four vehicles, along with an ambulance officer and a rapid response vehicle.

"The prisoner was taken out of the cell and is being cared for by the prison's health care team."

HMP Winchester holds up to 706 male prisoners.

The results of an announced inspection published in November said the prison was making progress following criticisms in 2012, but said living conditions should be improved.