Double child killer Ian Huntley was attacked in HMP Frankland on Thursday morning, sustaining severe injuries after being struck up to 15 times with a metal pole. The 52-year-old, who is serving life for the murders of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman, was reportedly bending over to tie string on a recycling crate when the assault occurred.
Sources described the attack as 'unbelievably savage', with Huntley suffering a broken jaw, brain and skull injuries. He remains in a critical condition in an induced coma in hospital, with his mother Lynda reportedly describing him as 'unrecognisable'. He was given a five per cent chance of survival.
The main suspect is believed to be triple killer Anthony Russell, though police have not officially confirmed this. A source claimed Russell was 'smirking' after being handcuffed and has allegedly admitted the attack, expressing disappointment that Huntley survived. Inmates reportedly watched without intervening, and staff stepped in to stop the assault.
Durham Constabulary confirmed Huntley remains in hospital in a serious condition. The suspect is expected to be segregated for several years. Huntley was convicted in 2003 for the murders of the two 10-year-old girls in Soham, Cambridgeshire.
