Prison chaos erupts as Soham killer Ian Huntley is ambushed and critically wounded in maximum-security wing at HMP Frankland

Ian Huntley, the convicted Soham child murderer, is now fighting for his life after a violent attack inside HMP Frankland, a Category A prison in County Durham, known for housing some of the UK’s most dangerous criminals.

The 52-year-old, who murdered ten-year-olds Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman in 2002, was ambushed in a prison workshop earlier today and struck with an iron bar, leaving him critically injured.

Witnesses described the scene as utter chaos, with Huntley discovered lying in a pool of blood around 9 a.m.

Prison and police sources confirm the situation was “touch and go” as he was rushed to hospital for urgent treatment.

Attack Details and Prison Security Concerns

Despite being under constant close guard, Huntley was accessed by another inmate within the prison workshop, highlighting serious concerns about security protocols even in high-security facilities.

Durham Constabulary confirmed that police are investigating the incident, coordinating closely with prison staff to establish exactly how the attack occurred.

An air ambulance was spotted near the prison during the attack, though Huntley was transported by road to hospital.

The attack adds to a long history of threats and assaults against him while behind bars, reflecting the deep animosity he continues to provoke among fellow prisoners.

History of Attacks on Huntley

This is far from Huntley’s first brush with violence in prison.

In 2010, armed robber Damien Fowkes attacked him with a homemade weapon, slashing his neck so severely that 21 stitches were required.

Other notable incidents include fellow murderer Mark Hobson throwing boiling water on him in 2005, and another prisoner attempting a stabbing in 2018.

These attacks underline the ongoing hostility Huntley faces due to the nature of his crimes, which remain infamous across the UK.

The Crimes That Shocked the Nation

Huntley’s crimes remain among the most notorious in modern British history.

On August 4, 2002, Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman, both ten years old, went out to buy sweets in Soham, Cambridgeshire, only to be lured into Huntley’s home.

He murdered the girls and dumped their bodies in a ditch about 12 miles away.

Disturbingly, he later attempted to set fire to their bodies.

The girls’ disappearance triggered a massive police search involving around 400 officers and local residents.

Huntley’s then-fiancée, Maxine Carr, provided him with a false alibi and was jailed for three-and-a-half years.

Huntley claimed the deaths were accidental, a lie that was widely rejected by the courts, leading to his conviction in 2003 and a life sentence with a minimum term of 40 years.

Past Controversies Behind Bars

Huntley’s behaviour while incarcerated has frequently drawn attention and outrage.

Last year, he was seen wearing a red Manchester United-style shirt with the number ten, reminiscent of what the girls had been wearing at the time of their disappearance, which guards confiscated.

In 2018, Huntley appeared to admit he killed Jessica deliberately to prevent her from raising the alarm, though he continues to claim Holly’s death was accidental.

Lessons from the Soham Tragedy

Huntley’s case exposed critical failures in police vetting procedures.

A government inquiry revealed a “deeply shocking” catalogue of errors by multiple organisations, resulting in 31 recommendations aimed at improving intelligence sharing and employment vetting across the country.

Despite these reforms, the continued violence Huntley faces behind bars shows how his crimes still resonate decades later.

What’s Next?

Prison authorities and police are now investigating how the attack unfolded, reviewing security measures at HMP Frankland, and determining whether further action is needed to protect other prisoners and staff.

Huntley remains under intensive care, with his condition described as serious but stable.

Summary

Ian Huntley, serving a life sentence for the 2002 Soham murders, has been critically injured in a violent prison ambush at HMP Frankland.

This latest attack highlights ongoing security challenges in maximum-security facilities housing notorious criminals.

Huntley has a history of being targeted by inmates due to the heinous nature of his crimes, which shocked the UK nearly 25 years ago.

Police investigations are ongoing, while Huntley remains under hospital care, fighting for his life.