An explosive report has exposed appalling conditions at London's Wormwood Scrubs prison, where detained migrants are being held in squalor amid cockroach infestations and crumbling infrastructure.
The shocking findings, revealed in a recent inspection, paint a grim picture of the Category B men's prison in West London. Inspectors discovered filthy living quarters, broken toilets, and alarming hygiene issues throughout the facility.
Prisoners 'Living in Fear' of Insect Infestations
According to the report, detainees reported being "terrified" to use bathroom facilities at night due to swarms of cockroaches. One inmate described waking up with insects crawling over him, while others complained of finding pests in their food.
"The conditions we witnessed were utterly unacceptable in any civilized society," stated Chief Inspector of Prisons Charlie Taylor. "No human being should be expected to live like this."
Government Faces Mounting Pressure
The revelations have sparked outrage among human rights organizations and opposition politicians. Shadow Justice Secretary David Lammy called the situation "a national disgrace" and demanded immediate government action.
A Home Office spokesperson acknowledged the findings, stating: "We take all reports of prison conditions extremely seriously and are working closely with HM Prison Service to address these issues."
Wormwood Scrubs, which opened in 1874, has long faced criticism over its aging infrastructure. The prison currently holds approximately 1,300 inmates, including a significant number of immigration detainees.
