Multiple Attacks Injure Prison Officers at High-Security Prisons

Multiple violent attacks on prison officers have recently occurred in high-security prisons in England, highlighting escalating security concerns. At HMP Woodhill in Milton Keynes, one officer had their throat slashed with an improvised weapon, requiring hospital treatment, while another was assaulted by an inmate detained under the Terrorism Act 2008. Additionally, at Gartree Prison, a prisoner faked a medical emergency, leading to assaults on officers including one who had a television thrown at him and a female officer who suffered a broken arm. These incidents follow other recent attacks, such as Manchester Arena terrorist Hashem Abedi assaulting officers with hot oil and Southport killer Axel Rudakubana attacking a guard with boiling water. The Prison Officers’ Association has condemned the rising violence, calling for urgent action to protect staff, including the provision of stab vests and a review of prison regimes to prevent further harm. The Ministry of Justice, however, has denied terror links to some of the recent assaults, despite the involvement of inmates held on terrorism charges.