Woolwich murder suspect Michael Adebolajo was pushed heavily against a window by prison officers, knocking out two of his teeth, his brother has claimed.

Jeremiah Adebolajo told the BBC that he speaks to his brother almost daily, and had also spoken to his lawyer and to the governor of Belmarsh Prison, where the incident is said to have occurred.

Five members of prison staff have been suspended after the 28-year-old suspect was injured on Wednesday at the prison in south-east London.

The Prison Officers' Association (POA) said he was being restrained using approved techniques, and that its members strenuously denied any wrongdoing.

Michael Adebolajo is accused of murdering soldier Lee Rigby in May. Mr Adebolajo told the BBC his brother said five officers at a time are present when dealing with him and he is never in contact with any other prisoner.

He said the altercation began when his brother was given an instruction by one of the guards.

He said: "They decided to twist his arm back... the arm that had been shot... He manoeuvred out of that so they smashed his head against a window."

Mr Adebolajo added: "I wonder why it took five prison officers to restrain one man and how in the course of that restraint his teeth were able to be knocked out if they were following procedures. The suggestion is that procedures means that prisoners' teeth are going to be knocked out."

POA chairman Peter McParlin accused the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) of over-reacting to the situation. He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "We have spoken to our members and on the basis of what our members have told us they have done absolutely nothing wrong.

"We are concerned that the Ministry of Justice have over-reacted due to the notoriety of this prisoner."


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