Counter terrorism police are investigating after an attack by Manchester Arena bomb plotter Hashem Abedi left officers at HMP Frankland in Durham with 'severe stab wounds'.
Abedi threw hot cooking oil over the officers on Saturday before producing “home-made weapons” and stabbing them, said POA, a trade union covering prison staff.
Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) NE will lead the investigation into the “serious assault”.
The officers sustained life-threatening injuries including burns, scalds and stab wounds in the “unprovoked” and “vicious” attack, POA added.
Mark Fairhurst, national chairman of the Prison Officers’ Association, told BBC Breakfast the two prison officers who remain in hospital have “severe stab wounds”.
“Two are still in hospital with serious injuries, but I’m glad to report they’ve stabilised,” he said.
“A third member of staff was discharged yesterday.”
All three staff members also suffered burns and scalds.
The Prison Service confirmed three prison officers were treated in hospital after an attack by an inmate at HMP Frankland, County Durham.
One female officer was discharged by 4pm on Saturday.
CTP’s acting senior national co-ordinator, Commander Dom Murphy, said: “Given the nature of the incident, it has been agreed that CTP North East will lead the investigation, supported by Durham Constabulary.
“This is an ongoing investigation which is in its early stages, and we are working hard to establish the facts. Therefore, we are unable to comment further at this time.”
Secretary of State for Justice, Shabana Mahmood, posted on X, formerly Twitter: “I am appalled by the attack of three brave officers at HMP Frankland today. My thoughts are with them and their families.
“The police are now investigating. I will be pushing for the strongest possible punishment.
“Violence against our staff will never be tolerated.”
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Abedi was convicted of assisting with the Manchester terror plot, in which his suicide bomber brother Salman Abedi killed 22 people by detonating a homemade rucksack-bomb in a crowd of concert-goers.
Abedi was jailed for life in August 2020 and is currently serving at the category A HMP Frankland.
Category A is the highest level of security, housing some of the country’s most serious criminals.
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