Ian Huntley Critically Injured in Prison Workshop Assault
Soham killer Ian Huntley is reportedly fighting for his life after a brutal attack with a metal spike in HMP Frankland, a high-security prison in County Durham. The notorious murderer, serving life for the 2002 murders of schoolgirls Jessica Chapman and Holly Wells, was assaulted in the prison workshop, leaving him with severe head injuries and a mere 5 percent chance of survival.
Details of the Gruesome Incident
The attack occurred at approximately 9am on February 26, when Huntley, 52, was bludgeoned with a spiked metal pole. Sources indicate that he was working in the segregated wing, designed for prisoners requiring protection, when another inmate retrieved a metal bar from waste management crates and struck him three times in the head. The assailant, believed to be triple murderer Anthony Russell, allegedly declared, "I've killed him" as he was led away in handcuffs.
Medics have been described as working miracles to save Huntley, who was found lying in a pool of blood and initially assumed dead by prison staff. He has been placed in an induced coma and airlifted to a hospital in critical condition, with his prognosis remaining touch and go.
Suspect Profile and Prison History
Anthony Russell, 43, is a depraved killer serving a whole-life order for the murders of Julie Williams, her son David, and the rape and murder of Nicole McGregor, who was five months pregnant. This incident adds to Huntley's long history of violent encounters behind bars, including previous attacks with boiling water, a slashed neck, and an alleged attempt on his life with a makeshift knife.
- In 2005, Huntley was attacked with boiling water by mass murderer Mark Hobson at HMP Wakefield.
- In 2010, his neck was slashed by armed robber Damien Fowkes at HMP Frankland.
- In 2018, he claimed an inmate tried to cut his throat with a razor blade on a toothbrush.
Investigation and Public Reaction
Durham Constabulary is investigating the assault, with forensic teams examining the scene. A suspect in his mid-40s has been identified but not arrested, remaining in detention within the prison. Public sentiment, as echoed by a visitor to the segregated wing, suggests little sympathy, with one woman stating Huntley appeared "ripped apart like a rat" and deserved his fate.
Huntley was convicted in December 2003 for the murders of Holly and Jessica, receiving two life sentences with a minimum 40-year term. Despite initially claiming the deaths were accidental, leaked recordings in 2018 captured him expressing remorse for betraying the Soham community.
The Prison Service has declined to comment further pending the police investigation, emphasizing the seriousness of the incident at HMP Frankland.
