Government to review how HMP Frankland 'attack' happened

Abedi threw hot cooking oil over three officers on Saturday before stabbing them with “home-made weapons”, the Prison Officers’ Association (POA) said.

The officers sustained life-threatening injuries, including burns, scalds, and stab wounds in the “unprovoked” and “vicious” attack in HMP Frankland, County Durham, according to the trade union covering prison staff.

Announcing the review into the incident, a Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: “Our thoughts remain with the two prison officers still in hospital as they recover.

“There will be a full review into how this attack was able to happen, alongside the separate police inquiry.

“The Government will do whatever it takes to keep our hardworking staff safe.”

Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) NE is leading the investigation into the “serious assault”.

The Prison Service confirmed three prison officers were treated in hospital after an attack by an inmate at Frankland.

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. 

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"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."