Prison race war fears after convicted murderers set up gangs to 'protect' themselves from Muslim inmates

• Death Before Dishonour gang prompted a security warning to governors
• Already concern about conflict between Muslim and non-Muslim convicts
• Fears anti-Islam gangs could see tensions 'escalating beyond all control'

Some of Britain's most dangerous convicts, including convicted murderers, have set up sinister gangs to 'protect' themselves from Muslim inmates.

One new network, Death Before Dishonour (DBD), has reportedly prompted a security warning to governors after recruiting members from Close Supervision Units, which house the most violent prisoners.  

There are fears the gang could lead to existing tensions between Muslim and non-Muslim inmates escalating 'beyond all control'.

A source told The Sunday People: 'There have been top-security briefings warning of this organisation being set up and focusing on Close Supervision Units.'

The newspaper reported DBD has been linked to three convicted murderers. 

With thousands of Muslims behind bars, officials are said to worried the group could seriously increase tensions. 

The source added: 'Clearly there is a deep concern that this group could expand and the conflict could escalate out of all control.' 

There have also been reports of another anti-Muslim group operating in UK jails, which calls itself 'the Piranhas'.

This was created after extremist Muslims began attempting to force other prisoners to adopt their faith.

One piranha member, convicted killer Christopher Ashton, 33, appeared in a sick anti-Muslim video shot behind bars

One piranha member, convicted killer Christopher Ashton, 33, appeared in a sick anti-Muslim video shot behind bars. 

He has also reportedly been handing out postcards carrying a piranha image urging prisoners to fight back. 

Ashton was given a life sentence in 2006 for killing Leon Small, 21, whose burnt body was discovered by a dog walker near the River Mersey in 2004.   

A Ministry of Justice spokesman would not comment on DBD but said: 'Safety in prisons is fundamental to the proper functioning of our justice system.

'We do not tolerate violence or bullying in prisons and will always take action against any kind of discrimination.'  

     

The reports come after a troubled week for British jails, which have faced intense criticism following a riot and a break-out on two consecutive days.

One prisoner, James Whitlock, 31, remains on the run after breaking out of HMP Pentonville with fellow inmate Matthew Baker, 28, on Monday.  

They were discovered missing just before midday on Monday after an audacious Alcatraz-style break out.

The men used diamond cutters - reportedly sent in by a drone - to break out of their cell and left mannequins in their beds in a bid to avoid detection.

Baker had been awaiting sentencing after he was found guilty of attempted murder two weeks ago for stabbing a man in Dagenham, east London.

Whitlock was on remand having been charged with conspiracy to burgle over 19 alleged ATM thefts.

Baker has been arrested by Whitlock remains on the run. Police have warned the public not to approach him.  

And on Sunday, Bedford jail went into lockdown as 200 inmates, some wielding knives, went on the rampage for more than six hours.

Footage showed prisoners raising their hands in triumph after guards 'abandoned' their posts in the chaos.

There were reports of explosions heard from inside the prison as specialist security teams swarmed outside in a bid to regain control.

The two incidents came a week after the chair of the Prison Officers Association, Mike Rolfe, warned British jails had been engulfed by a 'bloodbath'.

Justice Minister Liz Truss has promised to invest £100 million in recruiting 2,500 new prison officers to help increase security. 

As part of the plans, prison wardens who oversee failing jails could face dismissal.