HMP Full Sutton: Statement over attack on prison officers

Officers from the North East counter-terrorism unit are investigating the attack on two prison officers at Full Sutton maximum security jail near York.

It is understood that three inmates held one warder hostage for a number of hours.

In a statement, the Chief Executive of the National Offender Management Service, Michael Spurr, said:

“At 4.25pm on Sunday 26th May, a prison officer was forcibly taken hostage by three prisoners at HMP Full Sutton. None was serving a sentence for terror-related offences.

A second officer immediately attempted to come to her colleague’s aid and was injured as a result, receiving cuts to her arm.

The incident concluded at 8.40pm, after specially trained prison staff intervened to release the officer.

The officer taken hostage suffered a broken cheekbone and a number of wounds to his face and neck at the beginning of the incident.

Both members of staff were treated in hospital for their injuries.

This was a serious incident and my first thought is with the officer who was taken hostage – we will do all we can to help him recover from this experience.

I want to commend all staff involved for their great courage and professionalism.”

The statement also confirmed that neither of the staff involved is ex-military.

The three prisoners involved are Muslim. Two of the prisoners are 25 and one is 26.