Prison Officers Attacked At HMP Gartree

Two prison officers were injured after being attacked by a prisoner at HMP Gartree on Tuesday.

A female officer suffered a broken wrist and needed hospital treatment, while her male colleague was assaulted and had a TV thrown at him.

The incident happened after the officers responded to a medical emergency, which turned out to be a prisoner faking an epileptic fit.

The Prison Officers Association (POA) has released details of the incident to highlight ‘escalating violence in jails’.

HMP Gartree

Steve Gillan POA General Secretary said: “Escalating levels of violence are out of control in the prison service in England and Wales.

“It appears that HMPPS have learned nothing. They continue to ignore the calls from our members on the front line for urgent action to protect Prison Officers from violence.

“It is clear Prison regimes must be reviewed as a matter of urgency. We need action to protect Prison Officers before there is a fatality.”

“My thoughts are with the Prison Officers who have been injured, the POA will offer them our full support.”

The incident happened on the same day a major search of the prison took place, which was described as a ‘routine search’ by prison officials.

A spokesperson for HM Prison & Probation Service said: “An officer at HMP Gartree attended hospital yesterday and was discharged the same day.

“We will do whatever is necessary to keep our staff safe.

“The Lord Chancellor has announced a review into protective body armour and a trial of tasers in jails to better respond to serious incidents and will update shortly.”