Preston prison is to trial an ‘incapacity’ spray to deal with aggressive inmates.

Ministers say the Pava spray is to be trialled by ordinary officers in four prisons – including HMP Preston.

The Telegraph reports the prisons minister Sam Gyimah has signed off the use of the spray.

It is being introduced to help staff tackle unpredictable and dangerous levels of aggression linked to drugs such as Spice and Mamba.

Previously only the specialist Tornado anti-riot unit could use the substance.

They have now been training prison officers in how to use the spray.

Read more: Preston prisoner found with huge stash of drugs in his cell

HMP Preston is to trial the spray, as well as HMP Wealstun in West Yorkshire, HMP Risley in Cheshire and HMP Hull.

Sam Gyimah, the prisons minister, said: “I am absolutely determined to tackle head-on the issues that undermine the safety and security of our prisons and to ensure our dedicated officers have the tools they need to do the job.”

The government is also introducing body-worn cameras for prison officers.

The General Secretary of the Prison Officers Association described the move as ‘a step in the right direction’.

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