Ian Huntley, the notorious Soham child killer, is reportedly fighting for his life after a brutal assault in a prison workshop. The attacker, another inmate, allegedly boasted "I've done it" immediately after battering Huntley with a metal spike, according to claims from prison insiders.
Chaotic Scene in HMP Frankland Workshop
The violent incident unfolded on Thursday morning within the workshop at HMP Frankland near Durham. Witnesses described a scene of total chaos, with the alleged attacker first shouting at Huntley, possibly to stage an argument, before launching the assault with a metal pole. The attacker reportedly struck Huntley six times with the weapon, inflicting severe head injuries.
Inmates Cheer as Attacker is Led Away
Following the assault, inmates in the workshop reportedly clapped and cheered as the suspected attacker was led away by prison guards. The 52-year-old Huntley was rushed to hospital by road ambulance, despite an air ambulance being dispatched to the prison. He remains in serious condition with head injuries.
Durham Constabulary confirmed that a prisoner, understood to be Huntley, was assaulted in the workshop. Police forensic teams have been examining the scene throughout the day to gather evidence. A suspect, a male prisoner in his mid-40s, has been identified but has not been arrested at this stage, remaining in detention within the prison.
History of Attacks on Notorious Child Killer
This latest assault represents only the most recent attempt on Huntley's life. The former school caretaker, who murdered 10-year-olds Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman in Soham, Cambridgeshire in August 2002, has been kept under close observation to prevent such attacks. Huntley is serving a life sentence with a recommendation that he serves at least 40 years for the double murder.
Previous Prison Attack in 2010
In 2010, robber Damien Fowkes slashed Huntley with a home-made weapon, causing a severe, gaping cut to the left side of his neck. The 7-inch (18cm) wound required 21 stitches to close. Following that attack, Fowkes asked a prison officer: "Is he dead? I hope so." He described Huntley as a "notorious child killer, both inside prison and in society in general."
The latest incident highlights the ongoing dangers faced by high-profile prisoners within the UK's prison system. Huntley's crimes, which involved luring the two young girls to his home before murdering them and dumping their bodies in a ditch, have made him one of Britain's most reviled criminals.
Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Thursday's assault, while prison authorities review security measures at HMP Frankland. The condition of both Huntley and the procedures for protecting vulnerable prisoners remain under close scrutiny following this violent episode.
