RIOTING prisoners smashed up Scotland's newest prison in a three-hour rampage.

RIOTING prisoners smashed up Scotland's newest prison in a three-hour rampage.

Fire and ambulance crews were put on stand-by last night as violence flared at the privately-run Addiewell Prison, near West Calder, Midlothian.

The riot began after inmates took control of a hall, sparking a major lock-down.

Reports today said dozens of prisoners barricaded security doors with pool tables, smashed TVs and lit fires inside the 700-capacity complex.

It's understood one section of the prison was flooded as a result of a damaged water-pipe or taps being deliberately left on.

Police set up roadblocks around the jail during the stand off which started around 8pm.

The riot was brought under control shortly after 11pm and a major clear up operation was under way this morning.

A Scottish Prison Service spokesman said: "A small number of individuals have been put into the segregation unit. The damage to the prison was largely superficial and no injuries were sustained by staff or inmates.

"The fire service, police and ambulance responded as part of an automatic protocol for dealing with these type of situations.

"This incident was concluded by staff from HMP Addiewell who did a magnificent job.

"The matter is now the subject of a police investigation."

Addiewell, which opened eight weeks ago, has been at the centre of a row over its ultra-modern facilities, which include en-suite bathrooms, flat screen TVs and a computer suite.

The facility is designed to house 700 medium and high security male prisoners and 350 members of staff, including up to 160 prison officers.

It is Scotland's second privately run jail, after Kilmarnock prison, and contains 12 wings with fingerprint recognition scanners.

Three weeks ago, drug courier Richard Crompton, 41, died there in a suspected suicide.

A spokeswoman for Kalyx, which runs Addiewell, said: "There was an incident in one of the halls. Correct procedures were followed."