The chief inspector of prisons has raised concerns about the treatment of Muslim inmates at Belmarsh maximum security jail in London.

Anne Owers says there is evidence of bullying and the prison is struggling to deal with the large proportion of Muslims held on terrorism charges.

She said prison officers did not understand the social and religious behaviour of Muslim inmates.

The Prison Service said Belmarsh had made huge progress in inmate care.

Prison Service director general Phil Wheatley said: "The chief inspector acknowledges some of the positive strides Belmarsh has taken since the last inspection.

"Excellent working relationships between the multi-faith chaplaincy team, staff and managers enables them to work together to ensure the diverse faiths and cultural needs of prisoners can be met."

It is important for Belmarsh not to be diverted by issues specific to a small number of prisoners, he added.

Around 100 of the 900 inmates in the maximum security jail in south-east London are Muslim.

In her report Ms Owers also highlighted concern that four remand prisoners on terror charges were only allowed to associate in pairs, and were banned from communal Friday prayers.

She also revealed that another inmate facing terror charges was kept in a separate secure unit with a "dedicated group of staff".

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