A prisoner in his mid-40s has been formally identified as the primary suspect in a violent assault on Soham killer Ian Huntley, which occurred within the workshop of the maximum security HMP Frankland near Durham. The attack took place on Thursday morning, resulting in Huntley being transported to a nearby hospital where he received urgent treatment for significant head injuries. As of Thursday afternoon, Durham Constabulary confirmed that the 52-year-old inmate remains in a serious condition, with his recovery described as precarious.
Police Investigation and Forensic Examination
Durham Constabulary has launched a comprehensive investigation into the incident, with forensic teams meticulously examining the scene of the assault throughout the day to gather crucial evidence. A spokesman for the force stated that the suspect, a male prisoner in his mid-40s, has been identified by officers but has not been arrested at this stage. Instead, he remains in detention within the prison system while the inquiry continues. The police emphasised that the suspect was identified promptly, though formal charges are pending further evidence collection and analysis.
Details of the Assault and Huntley's Condition
According to initial reports, Huntley was attacked with a metal pole in the prison workshop, leaving him unconscious and in a pool of blood. Sources close to the investigation have indicated that his condition is "touch and go," highlighting the severity of the injuries sustained. The Sun newspaper first broke the story, detailing the brutal nature of the assault and the immediate medical response required to stabilise Huntley. The Press Association further corroborated these accounts, noting the extensive blood loss and critical state of the victim following the incident.
Historical Context of Attacks on Huntley
This latest assault marks yet another attempt on Ian Huntley's life during his incarceration. Huntley, who is serving a life sentence with a minimum tariff of 40 years for the murders of 10-year-olds Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman in Soham in August 2002, has been a target of violence within the prison system. In 2010, he was slashed by robber Damien Fowkes with a homemade weapon, resulting in a severe 7-inch wound to his neck that required 21 stitches. Fowkes later expressed hope that Huntley would die, describing him as a "notorious child killer" both inside and outside prison.
Authorities have previously kept Huntley under close observation to prevent such attacks, but this incident underscores the ongoing risks he faces. The prison environment at HMP Frankland, a maximum security facility, has seen other violent episodes, including recent cases involving high-profile inmates.
Recent Violent Incidents at HMP Frankland
The attack on Huntley is part of a broader pattern of violence at HMP Frankland. Just recently, Killamarsh killer Damien Bendall received an additional life sentence after admitting to the attempted murder of another inmate using a claw hammer in a prison workshop. A prison officer who witnessed that attack believed Bendall had killed his victim, though the inmate survived. Additionally, Manchester Arena bomb plotter Hashem Abedi is accused of carrying out "terrorist" attacks on prison officers at the same facility with hot cooking oil and makeshift weapons, though he denies three counts of attempted murder.
Furthermore, former Lostprophets frontman Ian Watkins died after an alleged attack at HMP Wakefield last October, where he was serving a 29-year sentence for child sexual offences. These incidents highlight the volatile and dangerous conditions within high-security prisons, particularly for inmates convicted of high-profile crimes.
Conclusion and Ongoing Developments
As the investigation into the attack on Ian Huntley progresses, Durham Constabulary continues to gather evidence and monitor the suspect's detention. Huntley's serious condition remains a focal point, with medical teams working to ensure his survival. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threats faced by notorious prisoners and the challenges in maintaining security within correctional facilities. Updates are expected as police conclude their forensic examinations and consider potential charges against the identified suspect.
