Gang fight breaks out at Hawke's Bay prison

A gang fight involving 11 prisoners broke out at Hawke's Bay Prison today.

The fight lasted just over a minute and appeared to have been an incident between the Mongrel Mob and Black Power, Hawke's Bay Prison manager George Massingham said.

It was not known what started the fight, which started just after prisoners were unlocked for the day, Mr Massingham said.

None of the prisoners was seriously injured but some received cuts and bruises.

"No physical force by staff was necessary to break up the fight. Staff de-escalated the situation quickly by using their training to verbally talk down the prisoners," Mr Massingham said.

No staff were injured.

The unit was now locked down and staff and police would be investigating.

- NZPA