Officer stabbed in chest at HMP Frankland, Durham Police say

A police officer who was stabbed in the chest at a Category A prison suffered "critical injuries" but his condition is now "stable", officers have said.

A man in his 60s has been detained after the incident at HMP Frankland on Tuesday morning, Durham Police said.

The officer, a detective constable from Greater Manchester Police, was visiting the Category A men's prison.

Detective Chief Inspector Chris Smiles, who is leading the investigation, said: "First and foremost, our thoughts are with our colleague, who suffered appalling injuries while simply doing his job.

"Thankfully, his condition is no longer critical and we wish him a full and speedy recovery.

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"We are liaising with the victim and his family and our investigation is ongoing."

Earlier, a force spokesman said the incident took place shortly after 11am this morning.

They said the officer "suffered a stab wound to the chest during the incident" and was taken to hospital by ambulance.

He was described as being "conscious and talking" at the time.

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Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood said: "Deeply concerning news from HMP Frankland today, where a police officer has been stabbed, though is conscious and talking in hospital.

"I am being kept up-to-date with all developments. And my thoughts are with that brave officer."

The jail holds more than 800 men, with inmates thought to include Wayne Couzens, a former Met Police officer who kidnapped, raped and murdered Sarah Everard in 2022, and double murderer and necrophiliac David Fuller.