A man failed to appear before Oxford Crown Court because he had taken his cellmate hostage.

The 22-year-old had been due to appear to make plea on a robbery charge before a judge on December 6.

But the case had to be adjourned in his absence because of the hostage situation unfolding at Woodhill Prison in Milton Keynes.

A Prison Service spokesman said the hostage ordeal ended peacefully.

"Both prisoners are now in segregation and an internal Prison Service inquiry has begun," he added.