New police statement after Hashem Abedi prison officer attack (2025)

'Our priorities remain to establish the facts, explore any potential motivation, and to secure justice for the victims'

Police investigating an attack by the brother of the Manchester Arena bomber on prison officers say they remain committed to securing 'justice for the victims'.

A new statement was issued on Thursday by Counter Terrorism Policing North East, confirming an investigation into the incident at HMP Frankland, near Durham, was continuing.

They said a 'prisoner' had approached then 'thrown hot oil at prison officers' in a separation centre within the prison. Police said 'improvised bladed weapons' were then used 'to assault staff'.

CT Policing, in the update, said its 'priorities remain to establish the facts, explore any potential motivation, and to secure justice for the victims'.

Manchester Arena bomb plotter Hashem Abedi - jailed for a minimum of 55 years - has been moved to Belmarsh prison in London after the attack. The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has said it will carry out a review and the Prime Minister’s spokesman said the Government will urgently investigate what happened.

A union boss, meanwhile, said prison officers need 'protective equipment' - and the Government should lower their retirement age.

Speaking on the review, Mark Fairhurst, national chairman of the Prison Officers' Association, said the Government 'haven't even announced who's doing it yet' or released any terms of reference or scope for the review.

After visiting HMP Frankland, he said the separation unit where the attack happened had been 'decanted' because 'it's a crime scene'. He also described staff there as 'traumatised, fragile and angry' over what he called the 'appeasement' of violent offenders.

Mr Fairhurst said he would be meeting the Justice Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, next Wednesday to discuss the incident.

His comments come as the attack by Abedi was described as a “catastrophic failure” of duty by the Justice Secretary, in a letter from one of the survivors of the Arena bombing. In an open letter to Ms Mahmood and the Ministry of Justice, Martin Hibbert said he was 'absolutely disgusted – beyond words' to hear about the attack.

The Ministry of Justice has also suspended access to kitchens in separation and close supervision units, where inmates are kept apart from the general prison population.

In the statement, Counter Terrorism Policing North East said the unit had now been fully searched.

They said: "Counter Terrorism Policing North East are continuing their investigation into the assault on prison officers at HMP Frankland. At approximately 10.50am on Saturday, April 12, a prisoner has approached and thrown hot oil at prison officers within the Separation Centre. It is believed the prisoner has then used improvised bladed weapons to assault staff.

"The prisoner was detained by prison staff and relocated.

"Four officers were injured during the incident. One received minor injuries, and three received serious injuries which required hospital treatment. The victims and their families are being supported by specially trained officers. Our thoughts remain with them and all those affected by this incident.

"The unit where the assault took place has been subject to a full search by police, with support from prison staff. Officers are working closely with Durham Constabulary and HMP Frankland to thoroughly investigate the full circumstances of the incident. Our priorities remain to establish the facts, explore any potential motivation, and to secure justice for the victims."