PA ImagesOver 100 inmates have escaped in the British Virgin Islands after Hurricane Irma tore their prison apart.
The total number of escapees is yet to be confirmed, but the figure could be up to 120 according to Sky News sources.
The prison, based in Road Town, is believed to have housed 200 inmates.
Sky Sources: between 100-120 prisoners have escaped from a prison on the British Virgin Islands after it was partially destroyed by Irma
— Sky News Newsdesk (@SkyNewsBreak) September 9, 2017
According to the Daily Mail, President of expedition firm Modern Geographic Sailing, Paul Exner, spoke of how prisoners had originally been held back by armed forces, before being ‘let go’ as the island descended into an ‘apocalyptic wasteland’.
UK police officers are now being sent over to the British Virgin Islands to help during this time of crisis, with The National Police Chiefs’ Council saying:
Following official requests made through the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, British police officers will be providing support to the British Virgin Islands Police Force.
Two members of the UK police cadre, who offer support to the military in times of international crisis, flew out Friday evening with a further 53 British officers, from 14 police forces, due to depart Brize Norton on Sunday, in cooperation with the MOD.
British police officers to assist with recovery in the wake of Hurricane Irma https://t.co/SrHwc1qH6l
— NPCC (@PoliceChiefs) September 9, 2017
With further chaos expected, our thoughts are with those affected by Hurricane Irma.
Jules studied English Literature with Creative Writing at Lancaster University before earning her masters in International Relations at Leiden University in The Netherlands (Hoi!). She then trained as a journalist through News Associates in Manchester. Jules has previously worked as a mental health blogger, copywriter and freelancer for various publications.