Police are set to launch an investigation – it’s the latest in a series of recent attacks on prison officers

17:33, 16 May 2025Updated 17:41, 16 May 2025

Strangeways(Image: MEN Media)

A prison officer suffered ‘slash’ injuries in an attack at Strangeways prison on Friday morning, the Manchester Evening News understands.

The officer – understood to be a man – was taken to hospital from HMP Manchester for treatment after the incident, it is understood.

The M.E.N. understands he suffered only minor injuries. We also understand the officer was released later from hospital after treatment.

Details are scarce and it’s not known where in the high-security prison the incident occurred. The full circumstances surrounding what happened are also unknown at this time.

The M.E.N., however, understands Greater Manchester Police are aware and are set to launch an investigation. It’s not known whether any arrests have been made as yet.

HMP Manchester(Image: Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News)

The Manchester Evening News has contacted GMP for further information, as well as the Prison Officers’ Association (POA).

The Ministry of Justice, meanwhile. confirmed a ‘full investigation’ will take place and said the incident has been referred to the police.

A HM Prison and Probation Service spokesperson said: “A member of staff was injured at HMP Manchester and is currently in hospital receiving treatment. The incident has been referred to the police so it would be inappropriate to comment further, but we will always push for the strongest punishment for attacks on our hardworking staff.”

The Strangeways attack comes after three prison officers were injured at HMP Frankland, in County Durham, in April.

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Manchester Arena bomb plotter Hashem Abedi – who is serving a life sentence – is said to have used hot oil and improvised weapons to attack the officers. All three prison officers were taken to hospital with serious injuries following the incident.

One was subsequently discharged, with the other two suffering ‘severe stab wounds’, the POA said. Their conditions have thankfully said to have stabilised since.

The attack, however, led to calls for greater protection for prison officers working in jails – a review into protective body armour and a trial of the use of Tasers has been confirmed.

It’s understood GMP are set to investigate(Image: Manchester Evening News)

The Government, meanwhile, has appointed a KC, the current Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation, to lead a review into how Abedi, who was subsequently moved to HMP Belmarsh in London, was able to carry out the violent attack. He’s the brother of mass murderer Salman Abedi, who detonated a bomb in a rucksack after an Ariana Grande concert at the Arena in May, 2017, killing 22 people.

Police are also said to be investigating an alleged attack on a prison officer at HMP Belmarsh by Axel Rudakubana earlier this month. Rudakubana was jailed for life for the murders of three girls in Southport.

The 18 year-old allegedly used a kettle in his cell to heat water up and then poured boiling water over the officer, who was later discharged from hospital.

Counter Terrorism Policing North East confirmed an investigation into the incident at HMP Frankland involving Abedi was continuing.

The attack led to the national chairman of the POA, Mark Fairhurst, saying officers needed greater protective equipment and calling on the Government to lower their retirement age.