Three prison officers have been attacked by a prisoner at HMP Frankland in County Durham, officials have said. It is reported that it was committed by Hashem Abedi, the brother of the Manchester Arena bomber, Salman Abedi. The three officers have suffered “life threatening injuries”, Manchester Evening News (MEN) writes. It has been described as a “vicious” incident by a union for prison officers. The Prison Officers’ Association alleges that the attack was “unprovoked”.

In a statement, it said: “The Officers received life threatening injuries including burns, scalds and stab wounds when Abedi threw hot cooking oil over them then produced home made weapons and proceeded to stab the Officers.” Hashem was found guilty of murdering the 22 victims at an Ariana Grande concert in May 2017. He was sentenced to a minimum of 55 years. “Three prison officers have been treated in hospital after an attack by a prisoner at HMP Frankland,” the Prison Service said.

“Police are now investigating so it would be inappropriate to comment further. Violence in prison will not be tolerated, and we will always push for the strongest punishment for attacks on our hard-working staff.”

The union’s National Chair Mark Fairhurst said: “First and foremost, my thoughts are with the injured staff, their families and colleagues. No Officer should be subject to cowardly and vicious attacks at work.

“The POA will support our members as much as we need during this traumatic time, this attack displays the dangers brave Prison Officers face on a daily basis.

“Separation Centres hold the most dangerous terrorist offenders who simply do not wish to alter their ideology and as this event confirms, are determined to inflict violence on those who hold them securely.

“We must now review the freedoms we allow separation centre prisoners have. I am of the opinion that allowing access to cooking facilities and items that can threaten the lives of staff should be removed immediately.

“These prisoners need only receive their basic entitlements and we should concentrate on control and containment instead of attempting to appease them. Things have to change.”

General Secretary Steve Gillan added: “This is a disgraceful and cowardly attack on Prison Officers at Frankland prison who were carrying out their duties.

“Prison Officers keep the general public safe but at this moment in time our thoughts are with the affected Officers, their colleagues and their families. No one goes to work to be assaulted and the POA will assess this vindictive act and liaise with HMPPS, Ministers to get justice for those Prison Officers.”