Protesting inmates to face criminal charges

A group of inmates whose protest in a cell led to an entire Northland prison being locked down today may face criminal charges.

The prisoners began protesting this afternoon and refused to comply with instructions from staff at the Northland Regional Corrections Facility near Kaikohe.

Small fires were lit, causing minor damage.

An investigation into the incident is underway. The men were never a threat to public safety, Corrections said.