There was talk that it was about a change of regime but that is nonsense because it will give them more time out of their cells

Cliff Cobbin, Board of Visitors

The inmates barricaded themselves in as Home Office negotiators were called.

A Prison Service spokesman said the rioters caused "substantial damage".

Officers in riot gear went in at 0400 BST regaining control of B wing which houses 63 inmates.

The spokesman said: "Prisoners on the young offenders unit overpowered staff and one male prison officer was taken hostage and locked into a cell on the wing.

"At around 4am prison officers and the Tornado team went in and relieved the disturbance.

"I don't believe they met any significant resistance."

A spokesman for the Prison Officers' Association said the member was taken hostage at knifepoint.

Officer bravery

General secretary Brian Caton said: "Once again prison officers have been called upon to quell a prison riot.

"As always they were found not wanting in the levels of tenacity and bravery.

"The bravery shown by the officer taken hostage and those who professionally rescued him should be rewarded by not only the Prison Service, but the home secretary on behalf of the society."

The chairman of the prison's Board of Visitors, Cliff Cobbin, said staff were powerless to stop the inmates.

"There was talk that it was about a change of regime but that is nonsense because it will give them more time out of their cells, but that may not be the reason.

"As far as the board was aware, there was no inkling that this was going to happen," he said.

An official report published in January 2000 described the prison as "a disgrace".

The then Chief Inspector of Prisons, Sir David Ramsbotham, said Rochester Prison was guilty of "institutional neglect" and particularly criticised the treatment of asylum seekers, illegal immigrants and young offenders.