Attacks on prison staff rise to new high as tensions in overcrowded jails reach breaking point

Attacks on prison staff are at a new high, according to fresh government figures which show worsening conditions across England’s and Wales’ overcrowded prisons.

There were 10,605 assaults on staff last year, up 15 per cent on the year before setting a new grim record. The statistics, published by the Ministry of Justice on Thursday, come after police launched an investigation into an attack on three prison officers at HMP Frankland in County Durham.

Hashem Abedi, one of the men responsible for the Manchester arena bombing, threw hot cooking oil over the officers and used “home made weapons” to stab them, according to the Prison Officers’ Association (POA).

New data shows that conditions in England’s jails are worsening across the board, with more inmates self-harming and assaults on the rise.

In the year to March 2025, there has been a 37 per cent increase in the number of deaths in prison - from 291 to 399.

This has been driven by rises in deaths from natural causes and deaths awaiting further information. However the number of homicides in prison each year has also increased from one to seven.

This is a developing story. More to follow...