Protesters intend to cause maximum disruption, say NIO
Discussions are underway this morning with inmates involved in a rooftop protest at Maghaberry jail in the north.
Prison authorities are trying to end the stand off by eight republican and loyalist inmates, who have spent over 14 hours on the roof of the high security jail, outside Belfast.
A spokesperson from the Northern Ireland office says the protest is an attempt to cause maximum disruption at the jail, and is jeopardising the safety of both staff and prisoners.
The demonstration, which began before 7pm yesterday evening, is being staged because of overcrowding at the prison.
The NIO spokesperson says police and prison authorities are at the scene, and discussions are ongoing with the inmates in a bid to end the protest.
There have been no injuries reported so far, and all visits to the jail have been suspended for today
