Ian Huntley, the convicted Soham murderer, remains in a serious condition in hospital two days after a violent assault with a metal bar by another inmate at a maximum security prison. Durham Constabulary confirmed on Saturday morning that his condition had not changed overnight, with a spokesperson stating: "The 52-year-old man remains in hospital in a serious condition, there have been no changes overnight."
Details of the Assault
The attack occurred in the jail's workshop at HMP Frankland in Durham on Thursday morning. According to reports, triple killer Anthony Russell allegedly shouted "I've done it, I've done it" after Huntley was repeatedly smashed over the head with the metal bar. The force declined to identify the suspect but said on Thursday that a man in his mid-40s had been detained in the prison, though he had not yet been formally arrested.
Background of the Inmates
Ian Huntley, a former school caretaker, was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murders of 10-year-olds Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman in Soham, Cambridgeshire, in August 2002. He is serving a life sentence with a recommendation that he serves at least 40 years. Anthony Russell was sentenced to a whole life tariff in 2021 for the murders of Julie Williams, 58, her son David Williams, 32, and pregnant 31-year-old Nicole McGregor, whom he also raped.
History of Attacks on Huntley
Thursday's assault marks the latest attempt on Huntley's life, and he was believed to have been under close observation to prevent such incidents. In 2010, robber Damien Fowkes slashed him with a home-made weapon, causing a severe, gaping cut to the left side of his neck that required 21 stitches. Fowkes later described Huntley as a "notorious child killer, both inside prison and in society in general."
Ongoing Investigation
Police are continuing their investigation into the assault, with the suspect remaining in detention at the prison. The incident highlights ongoing security concerns and the risks faced by high-profile inmates in the prison system. Authorities have not released further details on the motive or the exact circumstances leading up to the attack.
