A shocking and violent attack took place at HMP Frankland, a high-security prison in County Durham, on Saturday.
Hashem Abedi, the 28-year-old terrorist who helped orchestrate the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing, launched a vicious assault on three prison officers, leaving them with life-threatening injuries.
A Brutal and Unprovoked Assault
The attack, described as “horrific” by a source at the prison, unfolded when Abedi, who is serving life for his role in the deadly bombing, attacked the officers with a combination of hot cooking oil and homemade weapons.
The officers were subjected to burns, scalds, and stab wounds as Abedi went on a rampage, first throwing scalding oil at two of them and then using two makeshift knives to slash at them and another officer.
The assault was so violent that prison staff feared the use of hazardous materials might have been involved, though this has yet to be confirmed.
The source described the scene as a “total bloodbath” and expressed concerns that it might have been part of a larger terror attack.
Officers Rushed to Hospital
All three officers were quickly transported to the hospital following the assault.
Two of them remain in serious condition while receiving treatment for their injuries.
The third officer, a female, was treated and later released.
The attack has sparked widespread concern, with prison union leaders and political figures calling for stronger measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
Shadow Justice Secretary Reacts
Robert Jenrick, the Shadow Justice Secretary, expressed his concern over the attack, stating, “The appalling assault on prison officers by one of the terrorists involved in the Manchester Arena bombing is extremely concerning.
My thoughts are with the officers affected, and this serious security failure must be a turning point.”
Possible Security Lapses and Calls for Change
Sources suggest that Abedi may have stolen a weapon from the kitchen or, in some reports, a knife could have been smuggled into the prison via a drone.
Regardless, the attack has raised serious questions about prison security, especially when managing inmates with such dangerous and extremist backgrounds.
Former prison governor Ian Acheson emphasized that the failure to properly handle someone like Abedi should lead to accountability within the prison system.
Acheson also urged for an independent advisor on counter-terrorism in prisons, given the severity of the situation.
He described the event as a “catastrophic security failure.”
Police and Authorities Investigate the Attack
Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) has taken the lead in investigating the attack, with support from Durham Constabulary.
CTP Commander Dom Murphy stated that while the investigation is still in its early stages, the team is working hard to uncover all the facts.
The use of hazardous materials remains a concern, and authorities are working to determine if any further threats were involved.
POA Chair Calls for Review of Prison Conditions
Mark Fairhurst, the National Chairman of the Prison Officers’ Association (POA), voiced his strong concerns about the attack, stating, “No officer should be subjected to such cowardly and vicious attacks at work.”
Fairhurst called for a review of prison protocols, specifically in handling dangerous terrorist inmates.
He suggested that prisoners like Abedi should have their access to cooking facilities and items that could pose a threat to staff severely restricted.
Justice Secretary Responds to the Attack
Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood condemned the attack and expressed her support for the officers and their families.
She vowed to push for the strongest possible punishment for the perpetrators and reiterated that violence against prison staff would not be tolerated.
Abedi’s Role in the Manchester Arena Bombing
Abedi is serving a life sentence after being convicted of helping his older brother, Salman Abedi, carry out the horrific bombing at an Ariana Grande concert in May 2017.
The attack killed 22 people, including children, teenagers, and adults, and left many others critically injured.
Although Hashem was not physically present during the attack, he was found guilty of helping plan the bombing, which led to the deaths of innocent victims.
At his trial, the Crown Prosecution Service described Hashem as being “just as responsible” for the bombing as his brother.
He had reportedly been in Libya at the time of the attack but played a key role in the planning and execution of the atrocity.
Calls for Stronger Control Over Terrorist Inmates
The attack on the prison officers has sparked a wider debate on the management of terrorist prisoners.
Experts have emphasized the need for better oversight and stricter security measures to prevent further incidents.
The attack also serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by some of the country’s most dangerous inmates, who remain a threat even while incarcerated in high-security prisons.