FIVE police staff were rushed to hospital last night after a blaze broke out in the cell of an Isle of Wight prisoner.
This morning four still remained on a ward receiving treatment - and police have launched an investigation into the incident.
The drama broke out at Ryde police station, in Station Street, at about 9.30pm yesterday, when a fire started in prison cell occupied by an inmate.
Duty police evacuated the cells of all prisoners and one was taken to St Mary's Hospital, in Newport. He later released himself and was immediately taken back to custody.
Three fire engines from Ryde and Newport were alerted but the blaze had already been tackled by police staff by the time firefighters arrived. Five members of Hampshire Constabulary were rushed to hospital by ambulance crews also in attendance.
Two sergeants, one police constable and detention officer and a police matron were all taken in suffering from smoke inhalation.
One was released overnight but this morning four others were still in hospital as a precaution.
Hampshire police bosses have launched an investigation into how the fire was started.
Inspector Cleveland Faulkner told the Daily Echo: "It was apparent that the prompt action of police officers and police staff, together with the valuable assistance of the Isle of Wight fire service, clearly prevented a more serious outcome."
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