'Disturbance' at detention centre

Police, fire crews and specialist prison officers have been called to the Campsfield House immigration detention centre following a disturbance among inmates.

A fire is believed to have been started in a communal room at the site in Oxfordshire and one person has been treated for smoke inhalation.

Emergency crews were called at around 2pm on Saturday and police and the prison service have secured the perimeter fence.

A Home Office spokesman said: "We can confirm a disturbance began earlier within one block of Campsfield House immigration removal centre.

"The prison service and police have assisted the UK Border Agency by securing the perimeter which has not been breached.

"GEO, who run the site, asked the prison service for assistance and a number of specially trained prison officers have been sent to Campsfield."

The spokesman said that the disturbance was limited to one or two rooms and a couple of small fires were started.

The perimeter was immediately secured to prevent any possible escape and prison service officers, known as Tornado teams, who are trained in riot control were sent to the scene but have not been required.

The spokesman added: "The situation is still ongoing but seems to be relatively under control."

Campsfield House currently holds around 200 immigration offenders and foreign national prisoners.

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