Several coronavirus infections inside Westgate prison were confirmed tonight by a source at the facility.

It was also confirmed yesterday by David Burt, the Premier, who said online that the outbreak of the contagious UK variant of the virus had made its way into the prison.

The number of cases is not known.

But the source in Westgate, who asked not to be identified, said the outbreak was of concern to prison officers.

He added: “At this point, I can only confirm there are cases of Covid in Westgate, and that those inmates have been quarantined from the rest of the population.

“There are concerns among the officers. At the end of the day, we have to work very closely with these people. We’re not medical professionals, but they are in our charge.

“It’s not an easy thing to deal with, but unfortunately it’s part of the job.”

TNN News earlier reported five infections among inmates, causing all prisoners to get testing.

There was no response by 7.37pm to a request for comment from the Ministry of National Security.