Prison officer has throat slashed by inmate at IOW jail

The incident occurred at Albany prison on Saturday night Credit: PA

A prison officer is recovering after he had his throat cut with a razor blade by an inmate at HMP Isle of Wight.

The unnamed 24-year-old prisoner is said to have attacked the guard behind the walls of Albany – a Category B prison which makes up part of HMP Isle of Wight – as he was taken back to his cell on Saturday evening.

A police investigation has been launched and a man arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

He has been bailed until February.

The incident happened at Albany prison on Saturday evening Credit: PA

Thankfully the officer's injuries were superficial, but chairman of the Prison Officer’s Association at Albany, Neil Yule, is quoted as saying the incident was ‘very nasty’ and certainly an attempt to cause major damage.

A prison service spokesman said: "We do not tolerate violence against our hard working and dedicated staff, and when incidents like this occur, we work closely with the police to push for the strongest possible punishment."