"Earlier today violence erupted from LVF prisoners in C & D wings of H-Block 6. In a clearly orchestrated and violent outburst, loyalists climbed onto the Block roof while others set fire to furniture and bedding.

"Shortly after this missiles, including snooker balls, were thrown at Republican Socialist POW's housed in A & B wings. Windows in these wings were smashed and one prisoner, Tony Carlisle from Derry, sustained cuts.

"Republican Socialist Prisoners refused to lock-up in the face of these LVF attacks and were then forcibly removed by Prison staff to the gym. As the INLA prisoners were leaving the H-Block, fresh fires were started by loyalists and the Republican Socialist wings were blanketed in smoke. It is obvious that all clothing and possessions belonging to the INLA prisoners will by now have been destroyed.

"Before today's violence tension was already running high because of provocation from the Loyalists, including sectarian abuse and insults concerning the Orange march down the Garvaghy Rd and the LVF murders of Bernadette Martin and James Morgan. Today's loyalist violence is not about conditions, as they have stated, rather it is a direct attempt by the LVF to take control of the entire H-Block 6.

"Should the loyalists continue in their unprovoked attacks against Republican Socialists then there is every possibility that this could spill out onto the streets. The IRSP call for the immediate segregation of the INLA and LVF prisoners. The LVF must be moved as a matter of urgency onto other H-Blocks already housing loyalists. Any internal difficulties is a matter for them to resolve.