PRISON officers defied a court injunction to immediately end their 24-hour strike at HMP Long Lartin, according to a union official.

More than 120 officers protested outside Long Lartin prison, near Evesham, and HMP Hewell, in Redditch, on Tuesday, November 15.

Dave Monger, Prison Officers Association (POA) branch secretary for Long Lartin, said staff defied yesterday's order and instead returned to work this morning (November 16).

Worcester News readers overwhelmingly supported the prison officers when responding to our article on the strike.

David Wixey wrote on Facebook: “Maybe the so called judges and politicians should have a week working in the prisons.

“See what the prison officers have to put up with, stick to your guns.”

Tracy Williams said she supported the officers and said they were under-appreciated for providing a vital service.

“Have you ever had a job where your family are scared every shift you have?,” she said.

Nick Marston also wrote on Facebook: “Whole heartedly support. The neglect of the prison service is shameful.”

The protest was sparked by a directive from the national executive of the POA due to a breakdown in negotiations.

Officers have complained about an increase in violence and poor health and safety standards in prisons.

HMP Hewell is one of the worst prisons for violence nationally and was considered ‘of serious concern’ in government ratings.

Around 10,000 prison officers protested across the country in an effort to force the Ministry of Justice to make changes.

Justice Secretary Elizabeth Truss initiated legal action which led the high court to order an immediate end to the protest.

It is illegal for prison officers to strike but the POA ordered nationwide protests after talks with the government collapsed.

The Ministry of Justice were approached for comment.