UK: Arena bomb plotter’s attack leaves prison officials traumatised

An alleged assault by Manchester Arena bomb plotter, Hashem Abedi on officers at a high-security prison has left a deep psychological impact on those involved, according to a former colleague of the victims.

Abedi is accused of attacking staff at HMP Frankland in Durham last weekend, reportedly using hot cooking oil and a homemade weapon.

Matthew, a former officer who worked with the injured staff, said the incident will have long-lasting consequences.

“I’ve spoken to ex-colleagues who I’m still friends with.

“They’ve not discussed the specifics of the incident, but they’ve said it will stick with them for the rest of their lives,” he told Sky News.

He became emotional as he described the intense and often dangerous reality faced by prison staff.

“I’ve been there when you’re mopping your colleagues’ blood… when you’ve seen a serious assault, and you don’t know if they’re gonna be OK, and then 10 minutes later, you’ve got to get back on with your day, you’ve got to carry on running the regime.It is difficult, and it is awful,” he said.

He described the levels of violence inside prisons as “obscene” and “ludicrous”.

In the year leading up to September, there were 10,496 assaults on prison staff in England and Wales — a 19% rise on the previous year.

Steve Gillan, general secretary of the Prison Officers’ Association union, said staff are being left vulnerable.

“The reality is there’s no adequate protections for prison staff, and that’s a great frustration,” he told Sky News.

Having visited HMP Frankland earlier in the week and spoken to those affected, Gillan said the mood among staff was one of “anger, frustration, and sadness”.

The union is calling for a “reset”, with demands for stab-proof vests and tasers to be issued in “certain circumstances.”

Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood said she shared “the country’s shock and anger” at the attack.

The government has launched a review into how the assault occurred and will also examine the operation of separation centres used to manage high-risk prisoners.

The Prison Service is conducting a “snap” review into whether frontline officers should be issued with protective body armour.

But for former officer Matthew, the issue goes far beyond policy reviews or equipment.

“Nobody is ever truly safe” in the prison service, he said, highlighting the “impossible challenges every day” that staff face.

“The entire system needs to change. From the ground up,” he added.

(Sky News)