Inside infamous jail where violence rages as 1,700 prisoners prepare for early release across UK

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‘Scary’ overcrowded jails blasted by prison officers and inmates as gang fights soar

PRISON officers and inmates have told of how violence, gang wars and self harm are all on the rise behind bars as prisons struggle to cope with overcrowded conditions.

Speaking exclusively to The Sun from inside HMP Pentonville, staff and prisoners gave an honest account of how the packed jail is coping with only a handful of empty cells.

Guards said they were hopeful that the upcoming early release scheme, which will see thousands of prisoners freed next week, will free up enough space to improve conditions.

When The Sun visited the north London jail on Tuesday there were only nine free spots out of possible 1,205. It was originally built to house just 520 men.
Meanwhile probation staff warned they will be overwhelmed by the early release scheme.

Officers have had as little as a week’s notice — instead of three months — to prepare to monitor and rehabilitate serious offenders.
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