Three female prison officers were badly injured when a jail visitor lashed out, it was revealed today.
The women suffered blows to the head, a broken rib and wrist following Saturday's disturbance at Maghaberry jail in County Antrim.
The Prison Officers' Association (POA) said members intervened when the visitor was seen passing a watch to an inmate.
Spokesman Finlay Spratt said: "That is what we face daily. Those two girls are out now on the sick."
He said the third woman, who was hit around the face, had continued to work and praised the bravery of all involved.
PA