Staff at HMP Frankland were left to 'clean up their colleagues' blood' after an 'attack' by a terrorist left officers in hospital, a trade union chief has said.
Two officers remain in hospital with 'severe stab wounds' after an 'attack' by Manchester Arena bomb plotter Hashem Abedi in which he also 'threw hot oil' on prison staff at the high-security jail in Durham.
Mark Fairhurst, national chair of the Prison Officers' Association, claimed staff were 'left to clean up their colleagues' blood' after the incident. One officer was discharged on Saturday (April 12).
Two remain in hospital in a stable condition.
"Staff are extremely angry," Mr Fairhurst told The Northern Echo.
"They had to clean up the blood of their own colleagues."
In response to the incident, the Prison Officers' Association has called on the government to introduce stab-proof vests, 'as a minimum', for prison officers.
"We want adequate protection. We have been calling for years for stab-proof vests," he said.
"Listen to us and give us the same protection as the police.
"We want stab-proof vests issued as a minimum."
Mr Fairhurst, who was informed of the incident on Saturday morning, said the Government needs to do more to tackle violence against prison staff.
"Our message to the Government is this: 'Do not let your statements reek of hollow words.'
"Actions speak louder than words."
City of Durham MP Mary Kelly Foy, who represents the area containing the high-security prison, confirmed she remains in direct contact with Mr Fairhurst.
"I’m utterly horrified by the events which unfolded at HMP Frankland yesterday," Ms Foy said.
"Last night, I reached out to the POA and Governor to offer any support they may see fit.
"My thoughts are with the prison officers who were attacked, as well as their families and colleagues, at this incredibly difficult time.
"It shouldn’t take an incident like this to shine a spotlight on the hard work and dedication of our prison officers in County Durham and across the country.
"Simply put - increase their wages to reflect the daily danger they face, listen to their concerns around working conditions and the prison estate - and reduce their retirement age!"
Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood took to X in the wake of the incident on Saturday and said: "I am appalled by the attack of three brave officers at HMP Frankland today.
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"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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