Two officers remain in hospital with 'serious injuries' after being 'doused in hot oil' and 'stabbed' by a terrorist in HMP Frankland as an investigation into the incident heads into this week.
On Saturday (April 12) it was reported that three prison guards were 'stabbed' and had 'hot oil' thrown on them by Manchester Arena bomb plotter Hashem Abedi in the Durham high-security prison.
One officer was discharged on the same day, but two remain in hospital with their injuries, which were described by a union chief as 'severe'.
A Durham Police spokesperson said: "The investigation into a serious assault of three prison officers at HMP Frankland remains ongoing today.
"Counter Terrorism Policing North East is leading the investigation, with support from Durham Constabulary.
"Extensive enquiries continue to establish the full circumstances and explore any potential motivation.
"We are keeping an open mind as we investigate to establish the facts."
Prison Officer's Association national chair Mark Fairhurst said prison officers were left to 'clean up their colleagues' blood' in the wake of the incident and reiterated calls for more safety measures to be given to those who work in prisons.
"Staff are extremely angry," Mr Fairhurst told The Northern Echo.
"They had to clean up the blood of their own colleagues.
"Listen to us and give us the same protection as the police.
"We want stab-proof vests issued as a minimum."
The Ministry of Justice has said it will carry out a review following the incident at the Category A prison.
Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood posted on social media site X, formerly Twitter, on Saturday: “I am appalled by the attack on three brave officers at HMP Frankland today. My thoughts are with them and their families.
Recommended reading
- HMP Frankland: 9 of the most notorious prisoners inside the County Durham prison
- Union calls for stab vests as prison staff 'left to clean up colleagues' blood'
- Government launch review after prison guards doused in hot oil and 'stabbed'
“The police are now investigating. I will be pushing for the strongest possible punishment.
“Violence against our staff will never be tolerated.”
The POA has asked for an urgent meeting with Ms Mahmood.
Share