Prison attack: inmate slashes guard’s throat at HMP Woodhill

A prison guard has had their throat slashed by an inmate in the latest surge of violence behind bars.

The attack took place at HMP Woodhill in Milton Keynes, according to the union representing prison officers.

A prisoner used an improvised weapon to attack the staff member who needed stitches to their neck and ear as a result.

Another violent incident at the same jail involved an inmate who is locked up for terrorism charges, according to the POA, but this is denied by the Ministry of Justice. 

Far-right activist Tommy Robinson is currently being held in HMP Woodhill after being transferred from Belmarsh last year.

It is the latest attack involving prisoners in recent weeks which have included a near fatal attack at HMP Frankland by Manchester arena terrorist Hashem Abedi. 

An investigation is also underway into how Southport killer Axel Rudakubana was also able to hurl scolding water over a prison officer inside HMP Belmarsh.

Geoff Willetts of the Prison Officers Association said: “I am advised that one of our members at HMP Woodhill was attacked by a prisoner who was detained under the Terrorism act of 2008. 

“The officer was assaulted and injured while carrying out his duties. 

“ In a separate incident at the same jail a prisoner was told to return to his cell, this resulted in a specialist officer being slashed with an improvised weapon sustaining injuries to the neck and ear. 

“The officer attended hospital attention where they required stitches and surgical glue applied to their injuries.

“Meanwhile at Gartree Prison, Market Harborough staff attended a medical emergency where a prisoner faked an epileptic fit.

"A prison officer who attended to assist was assaulted then had a TV thrown at him and a female officer sustained a broken arm.” 

A HMPPS spokesperson said: “Officers at HMP Woodhill attended hospital for yesterday following two separate incidents. All were discharged on 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.”

The Sun previously revealed that officers working in prisons in England and Wales face attacks almost 30 times a day.

A record 10,496 assaults were logged in the year to September 2024 — up from 8,516 over the previous 12 months.

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 [HM Prison and Probation Service] 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.”