A wing at a Shropshire young offenders centre remained closed today after a six-hour riot which left two staff members needing hospital treatment.

A police investigation has been launched into the riot at Stoke Heath Young Offenders Institution, near Market Drayton, on Friday night.

Several inmates were transferred to other units at about 4am on Saturday following the riot which started at 7.30pm in the association room, where the young men enjoy free time, and then spread throughout the wing.

About 18 inmates were involved with the riot, which was brought under control by 1.30am.

Steve Williams, Stoke Heath YOI governor, today said the wing had been closed and inmates from that wing were being accommodated elsewhere.

He added the association room was completely out of use.

“Routine has been affected very little and we are back to the normal regime now and most staff are back in today.

“The wing has been closed and the association room is now closed down, so at the moment we can’t use it, but we have other things we can use like the gym,” he said.

Mr Williams likened the incident to a riot which happened a year ago today but he added that staff were trained to deal with such incidents.

“We have to be prepared for a lot of stuff,” he said.

A Prison Service spokeswoman confirmed a police investigation was taking place.

“The wing has sustained significant damage.

“The extent of the damage is currently being assessed and this accommodation will be brought back into use as soon as possible.”