Child Killer Ian Huntley 'Highly Unlikely to Survive' After Brutal Prison Attack
Notorious child murderer Ian Huntley is highly unlikely to survive after being savagely beaten with a metal pole in a prison workshop, according to sources. The 52-year-old, who is serving at least 40 years for the 2002 murders of ten-year-olds Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman, is on life support in critical condition with catastrophic skull injuries.
Catastrophic Injuries and Grim Prognosis
Doctors have declared Huntley blind after he was struck in the eyes during the attack, which also caused severe brain trauma. A source told The Sun: 'It is now looking like he will not pull through, barring a miracle. His condition has not really improved since day one despite the best efforts of doctors.' Medics have given him only a five percent chance of survival.
The brutal assault occurred at approximately 9:30 am last Thursday in a workshop at HMP Frankland in County Durham. Inmates reportedly cheered as the attacker, suspected to be triple killer and rapist Anthony Russell, 43, shouted: 'I've done it, I've done it. I've killed him, I've killed him.'
A History of Violence Behind Bars
This is the latest in a series of serious attacks Huntley has endured while incarcerated. In 2010, his throat was slit by robber Damien Fowkes, requiring 21 stitches. In 2018, another inmate attempted to kill him with a makeshift shank knife in his cell. He was also doused in boiling water in 2005 and attempted suicide in 2006.
Huntley's mother, Lynda Richards, 71, travelled 175 miles from Lincolnshire to his bedside and said he looked 'unrecognisable'. She confessed, 'part of me hopes he dies', citing the numerous attacks he has faced during his sentence.
The 2002 Murders That Shocked the Nation
Ian Huntley was convicted in 2003 for the murders of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman, two best friends who disappeared from a family barbecue in Cambridge on August 4, 2002. He lured them to his house, murdered them, and dumped their bodies in a ditch 12 miles away, later attempting to burn them.
A desperate nationwide search ensued, with a photograph of the girls wearing matching Manchester United football shirts becoming iconic. Huntley was seen wearing a Manchester United jersey in prison last year, an apparent vile taunt directed at his victims.
Suspected Attacker's Violent Past
Anthony Russell, the inmate suspected of carrying out the attack, was convicted in 2022 for the murder of Julie Williams and her son David Williams, as well as the rape and murder of pregnant Nicole McGregor near Leamington Spa. West Midlands Police believe he strangled David Williams with a lanyard due to a 'mistaken belief that he was in a relationship with his girlfriend'.
Police have not yet made an arrest following the attack on Huntley but have confirmed they have a suspect and that Huntley remains in hospital in a 'serious condition'. Doctors are considering switching off his ventilator after he failed to respond to treatment.
