PRISON officers are disproportionately using force against black inmates in Kent and no action has been taken to address the problem, inspectors have warned.

Chief Inspector of Prisons Peter Clarke said he was also alarmed that new inmates were routinely strip-searched on arrival at HMP Elmley on the Isle of Sheppey.

He described the practice as “concerning” and said it was “disappointing to find that the prison had not managed to improve since the last inspection.”