Updated 12.08pm: The smoke above Ashwell Prison appears to be clearing, according to eyewitnesses on the ground.

It appears the fire started earlier this morning is now out.

Firefighters are on the scene and at least one ambulance has been seen leaving the prison. Vans used to transport prisoners have also been seen leaving the prison. Prisoners can be heard banging on the walls of the vans as they leave.

Last year the Category C prison opened a new wing giving it the ability to house 619 inmates.

Updated: The disturbance at Ashwell Prison sounded 'like a war', according to one eyewitness.

Beverly Cardell, who lives near the prison, said: "My son woke me at 1am and said there were loads of police about.

"We could hear lots of noise, shouting, banging and general noise from the prison.

"You could see flames and there's smoke over the prison now.

"In 23 years we've had incidents like when some lads where on the roof, but nothing ever this bad. It was like a war."

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Updated 10.15am: A plume of smoke can be seen over Ashwell Prison.

A police helicopter is also at the scene in the skies over the prison and a police car has blocked the Burley to Ashwell road, fromt he AShwell roundabout near to the prison's entrance.

Updated: 9.45am: PRISON officers are reported to be dealing with a major disturbance at Ashwell Prison.

Specialist prison officers are said to be dealing with a "concerted indiscipline" involving a number of prisoners.

Police are outside the prison, which is near Oakham, and the perimeter is secure.

More to follow

Have you seen anything in the area? Have you any pictures or video? E-mail mike.roberts@stamfordmercury.co.uk call reporter Victoria Fear on 07525785918