Prison doctor says synthetic drug ‘Spice’ now endemic

Figures obtained by 5 live Investigates show that the number of ambulance call-outs to prisons in England has increased by nearly 40 per cent in the last three years - with an ambulance being called on average every 45 minutes.

Critics blame overcrowding and staff cuts for an increase in violence and drug overdoses.

The new psychoactive substance ‘Spice’ has been identified as a major cause for concern.

Justice Secretary Liz Truss has promised to spend £1.4 billion on new prisons and says she'll provide an extra 2,000 prison officers.