Terror Alert as Prison Officer Attacked at HMP Whitemoor
A brutal assault at HMP Whitemoor has been declared a terrorist attack, say Met Police’s Counter Terrorism Command.
Blade Attack Shakes High-Security Prison
On the morning of January 9, around 9:10am, two inmates launched a vicious attack on a prison officer. The officer suffered head and neck injuries, reportedly from improvised bladed weapons crafted inside the prison.
Other prison staff quickly stepped in to restrain the attackers, but some were also injured in the chaos. In total, five staff members, including the seriously hurt officer, were hospitalised but have since been discharged.
Investigation Underway as Prisoners Held
Both attackers were found wearing belts rigged with various crude items, raising serious alarm bells. Given the nature of the incident, Met’s Counter Terrorism Command took charge of the investigation.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Dean Haydon confirmed, “This is being treated as a terrorist attack. The incident was swiftly contained with no ongoing threat inside or outside the prison.”
The two suspected prisoners remain behind bars. No further arrests have been made so far. Detectives continue their enquiries, supported by Eastern Region Specialist Operations Unit CTP officers.
Prison on High Alert After Terror Assault
HMP Whitemoor, a high-security category A prison, is now on heightened alert as the investigation unfolds. The quick action of staff prevented a potentially worse outcome, but questions remain about how inmates obtained makeshift weapons.
Watch this space as police hunt for more answers in what’s become a chilling terror strike behind bars.
