BREAKING: Police negotiating with a maximum security prisoner who is 'threatening to set himself on fire' and has a 'Irish Republican Army flag' strapped to his body

A prison is currently in lockdown as police negotiate with a 44-year-old prisoner who is reportedly threatening to set himself on fire.

Corrections Victoria have confirmed a man has an 'incendiary device in his possessions', thought to be ground up match heads, at Barwon maximum security prison.

The man allegedly has an 'Irish Republican Army flag' strapped to his body, according to Nine News.

Police are in negotiations with a 44-year-old prisoner at Barwon prison in Victoria (stock photo)

A Victoria Police spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia: 'Police are currently in negotiations with a man at a corrections centre in Lara.

'Emergency services were called to the facility just before 9.30am and a number of specialists are en route to the scene.'

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