Firemen were called to a prison three times yesterday, including to fight a blaze started by a prisoner who set fire to his bin, mattress and bedding.

Firefighters, from Banstead fire station, were repeatedly called out to High Down prison in Banstead after a roof sensor went off, a prisoner set off a fire alarm and another set fire to his cell last night.

The incidents come just weeks after 11 men were cleared of mutiny at the prison for barricading themselves in a cell to protest at Government cutbacks which led them to be locked up for up to 23 hours a day.

Watch commander Russell Giles said firefighters in breathing apparatus used a hose reel jet to put out the fire reported at 7.22pm yesterday.

Mr Giles: "One inmate was rescued by the brigade and prison staff. It was obviously deliberate.

"The inmate managed to get hold of a lighter and set alight to his bin, mattress and bedding. I think they are going to prosecute him."

After the fire, Mr Giles said: "He was kicking off. He was upset."

At 8.46am a prisoner broke the glass on a call point which raises the alarm in the event of a fire.

At 9.04am a roof sensor at the prison was set off, but it thought this could have been caused by a bird.

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