FIRE crews were called to Winchester Prison last night after an inmate set fire to his cell.

The prisoner in A-wing, which is believed to house the most serious offenders, set his bedding alight.

The blaze, which broke out shortly after 7pm, had been put out by the time firefighters arrived at the Romsey Road jail.

Watch manager Chris Roper, from Winchester fire station, said: "It was out on arrival.

"The prison put some hosing through the door. They flooded the cell, putting an inch of water on the floor."

Mr Roper confirmed the fire was not serious enough to evacuate other prisoners.

Two appliances from Winchester - including a special equipment unit - and one from Eastleigh attended the fire.