Unions warned guards were at risk ahead of Melbourne jail riot

The riot that drove staff out of a Melbourne jail earlier today appears to have been weeks in the making, with unions warning ahead of time the statewide smoking ban could have violent consequences.

Up to 300 prisoners rioted through the Metropolitan Remand Centre in Ravenhall, many masked and carrying makeshift weapons.

Though the perimeter of the prison was not breached, riot police were needed to take back control of the prison.

The Corrections Commissioner has long said Victoria was prepared for a statewide prison ban on tobacco, but unions have been warning for months guards were at risk of attack.

Only the night before in Ravenhall, inmates were treated to a sumptuous dinner to help ease withdrawal cravings.

On the menu were seafood and prawns, baked capsicum stuffed with ricotta, and steak.

Prisoners have been placed on QUIT programs and given nicotine patches to curb cravings in recent months.