The Ministry of Justice said the review will take place in addition to the police investigation
A ‘full review’ will be carried out into the attack on three prison officers allegedly carried out by Hashem Abedi, the Government has announced.
The Ministry of Justice said the review will take place in addition to the police investigation. It has been announced that counter terrorism officers will lead the police’s probe into yesterday’s incident at HMP Frankland in Durham.
Abedi, the brother of Manchester Arena bomber Salman Abedi, is at the jail serving a life sentence with a minimum 55 year tariff, after being found guilty of the murders of 22 people killed in the atrocity on May 22, 2017. He was found to have plotted and prepared the bombing with his sibling.
Abedi launched a ‘vicious’ attack on the officers at HMP Frankland in Durham yesterday, a union for prison officers has claimed.
In a statement issued yesterday, The Prison Officer’s Association said: “The Officers received life threatening injuries including burns, scalds and stab wounds when Abedi threw hot cooking oil over them then produced home made weapons and proceeded to stab the Officers.”
A female officer was discharged from hospital yesterday afternoon. The two other officers remain in hospital and their condition has been described as stable.
This afternoon, 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.”
Last night, Commander Dom Murphy, Counter Terrorism Policing’s (CTP) Acting Senior National Coordinator, 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.”
A statement released earlier yesterday by Durham Constabulary stated: “An investigation is underway following a serious assault which occurred at Frankland prison, Durham today. Three victims were taken to hospital to be treated where two remain with serious injuries and a third has been discharged. Enquiries are now ongoing.”
A Prison Service spokesperson added: “Three prison officers have been treated in hospital after an attack by a prisoner at HMP Frankland. Police are now investigating so it would be inappropriate to comment further.
“Violence in prison will not be tolerated, and we will always push for the strongest punishment for attacks on our hard-working staff.”
Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood MP said on X: “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.”