CUMBRIA'S Police and Crime Commissioner has vowed to review communication protocol after residents were left in the dark when a dangerous inmate escaped from prison.

PCC Peter McCall has pledged to open discussions with the chief constable of Cumbria Constabulary after residents complained of an information blackout following the escape of Dean Walker over the weekend.

Haverigg residents watched on as helicopters and riot police patrolled the area but received no information until the first statement was issued shortly before 8pm.

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Although Mr McCall is adamant that little more could have been done to communicate better on Friday afternoon, he has conceded that there are some "blurred lines" within the protocol of communication and has promised to make changes.

He said: "I can well understand how locals seeing lots of blue lights and helicopters would think that a prisoner had breached the confines of the prison and I understand why that would be concerning for people.

"Now I think we need to have some engagement with the local authority, for example the mayor, and that is something I will ask the chief constable to do - to get some local liaison with the mayor."

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Mr McCall also echoed concerns over staffing at the prison and hopes that moves to reduce the amount of prisoners will improve on safety.

He said: "There has been a significant requirement for police activity at the prison and I share concerns about staffing.

"You can't help but think that a lot of the issues must be related to some lack of resource."

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However, a spokeswoman from the Ministry of Justice has rejected claims that the prison is understaffed but Andrew Neilson, director of campaigns at the Howard League for Penal Reform, is calling for action.

He said: “This worrying incident at Haverigg provides yet more evidence that the prison system is under immense pressure. Cutting staff and resources while allowing the number of people behind bars to grow unchecked has led to prisons across the country failing to keep people safe.

“Urgent action is needed. We must stop throwing so many people into these failing institutions, where they are swept away into deeper currents of crime.”

Do you think HMP Haverigg is understaffed? Have your say here