Statistics obtained by the Howard League for Penal Reform through a parliamentary question reveals that levels of violence within YOIs have risen by 58 per cent over the past five years.
The number of fires started in YOIs between 2004 and 2008 also increased by 13 per cent. Reading YOI saw a leap of 1,200 per cent in the number of fires started by young people within the prison walls.
Four other YOIs suffered a rise of more than 300 per cent in fires. Prison officers in YOIs are now three per cent more at risk of being attacked by prisoners than they were five years ago, the figures showed.
The increase in violence in YOIs outstripped a broader trend in prisons, which have seen violence increase by 31 per cent in five years.
Howard League director Frances Crook said: "This shocking rise in violence is far above what might be expected as we lock up ever increasing numbers of young people whose mental health problems and addictions will never be properly treated within our flooded and failing jails.
"As these are recorded statistics, it is likely to be just the tip of the iceberg with real levels of assaults, rapes and arson much higher than the Prison Service is admitting."
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