Officer stabbed in chest at HMP Frankland, Durham Police say
A man in his 60s has been detained after the incident at a Category A prison.
Tuesday 23 July 2024 17:14, UK
A police officer who was stabbed in the chest at a Category A prison suffered "critical injuries" but his condition is now "stable", officers have said.
A man in his 60s has been detained after the incident at HMP Frankland on Tuesday morning, Durham Police said.
The officer, a detective constable from Greater Manchester Police, was visiting the Category A men's prison.
Detective Chief Inspector Chris Smiles, who is leading the investigation, said: "First and foremost, our thoughts are with our colleague, who suffered appalling injuries while simply doing his job.
"Thankfully, his condition is no longer critical and we wish him a full and speedy recovery.
"We are liaising with the victim and his family and our investigation is ongoing."
Earlier, a force spokesman said the incident took place shortly after 11am this morning.
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They said the officer "suffered a stab wound to the chest during the incident" and was taken to hospital by ambulance.
He was described as being "conscious and talking" at the time.
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Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood said: "Deeply concerning news from HMP Frankland today, where a police officer has been stabbed, though is conscious and talking in hospital.
"I am being kept up-to-date with all developments. And my thoughts are with that brave officer."
The jail holds more than 800 men, with inmates thought to include Wayne Couzens, a former Met Police officer who kidnapped, raped and murdered Sarah Everard in 2022, and double murderer and necrophiliac David Fuller.