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Inmates at a jail overrun by rabbits have been hit by a bunny boiling ban after the governor found they were EATING them.

Hungry lags were ordered to stop snaring the pests and cooking them in their microwaves - because it upsets the prison's staff.

The jailbirds' culinary caper emerged after the Sunday Mirror revealed last week how the grounds of Ford open prison were being dug up by around 5,000 of the creatures.

Pest controllers were called in to carry out a cull. But Governor Sharon Jefcut was hopping mad when she found prisoners were already killing the bunnies as an alternative to canteen fare.

In a letter to inmates, she wrote: "There have been incidents offenders killing rabbits to consume them. This practice is unacceptable. Pest control systems are the only means that will be utilised."

Sources at the West Sussex jail say the letter also stated: "The killing of rabbits by any other means causes distress to staff members and offenders and is inhumane.

"Any microwave used for cooking contraband will be removed."

Jail chiefs will be embarrassed by inmates' poaching going unnoticed after years of criticism for its lax security.

In July murderer Paul Flint absconded from Ford by walking out of the front gate. He was finally arrested earlier this month in Horsham - around 25 miles away.

On New Year's Day 2011, 40 prisoners rampaged, setting buildings ablaze and causing £5million damage after they were ordered to take breathalyser tests.