Attacks on prison officers soar

THE number of attacks by lags on prison officers has rocketed to 1,838 last year compared to 1,529 the previous year.

In October, a guard was left unconscious after being strangled at HMP Lindholme in Doncaster, Yorks, prompting a protest.

And inmate Sadiq Gure attacked an officer after taking the drug Spice at Channings Wood Prison in Devon last year. Mark Fairhurst, of The Professional Trades Union for Prison, Correctional and Secure Psychiatric Workers, said: “The levels of violence are unprecedented.”

The Prison Service has been hit by cuts but a target to recruit 2,500 officers was met. The Ministry of Justice said: “We’re rolling out body cameras, police-style restraints and trialling PAVA incapacitant spray.”