A RIOT between British and Muslim inmates broke out in a high-security prison after an al-Qaeda terrorists cell was torched.

Algerian Kamel Bourgass, 34 serving life for murdering Special Branch detective Stephen Oake, 40 escaped injury in the blaze.

But then, in retaliation, a British prisoner was slashed across the cheek with a homemade knife as he walked along a corridor.

Fire ... jail

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When pals heard, fighting between around 60 British and Muslim prisoners broke out at Frankland Prison, Co Durham.

Staff used batons as they tried to separate cons exchanging blows and kicks.

More officers raced from other wings to help and the riot was eventually brought under control.

Four staff one with a broken arm and two lags needed hospital treatment.

A prison source said: It was a free-for-all. They were really going at it, dozens and dozens of them pummelling each other. That place is a powder keg, this has been brewing for ages and officers fear it will kick off again.

Steve Cox, of the Prison Officers Association, said: There is an ongoing problem at Frankland borne out of the fact that terrorist prisoners are housed with other prisoners.