Three investigations launched into violent riots that rocked a Melbourne prison

Three investigations have been announced in response to the violent riots at a Melbourne prison yesterday which saw three staff members and some prisoners injured.

Corrections Victoria said the rioters had caused “substantial damage” to some areas of the Metropolitan Remand Centre at Ravenhall and said the prison remains in lockdown.

Around 60 prisoners sparked an uprising just after midday yesterday when they lit a series of fires at the facility, reportedly in protest to a smoking ban.

Corrections Commissioner Jan Shuard said it was “highly likely” the riot stemmed from the cigarette ban.

Up to 300 prisoners armed with sticks smashed windows and bashed doors during the unrest which was not contained until around 3am today.

Two of the prisoners were reportedly injured from dog bites.

Corrections Victoria today released a statement and slammed the prisoners’ actions and said they were launching an internal investigation, alongside Victoria Police and the Victorian government’s own independent inquiries.

“Yesterday’s events were totally unacceptable and we will learn from this incident,” the statement said.

The legislated ban on smoking in prison remains in place.

The organisation said there had been no “disturbances” at the facility today.