Detention center in England raises concern

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MORTON HALL, England, Jan. 6 (UPI) -- Prison officials are voicing concerns about an immigration detention center in England that has recently been the site of violent disturbances.

The Guardian reported 50 detainees at Morton Hall, located in Lincolnshire county, were involved in a protest and refused to return to their rooms Christmas Day.

Then on Dec. 30, 30-40 individuals reportedly caused a disturbance that resulted in injuries to staff and detainees.

Officials dispute the details of the disturbances.

The U.K. Border Agency said both incidents were resolved within an hour and that injuries were minor, while a representative from the Prisoners Officers Association said up to 10 officers had been badly hurt and beaten.

A detainee told The Guardian tensions are high at the facility, and claimed the inmates often go without hot food and that the staff is racist and violent.

The Guardian said the Ministry of Justice has pledged to look into the incidents.

"We take very seriously all incidents at any of our establishments and we'll carefully examine what lessons can be learned from the incidents at Morton Hall," a spokesman said.