Hashem Abedi, the convicted terrorist and brother of the Manchester Arena bomber, has launched a brutal and premeditated assault on three prison officers inside HMP Frankland in County Durham. The 28-year-old carried out the violent attack, sparking fresh concerns about prison security and the management of radicalised inmates.
According to sources, Abedi ambushed staff in the prison kitchen’s separation unit, where high-risk inmates are held. He reportedly “was silent and grinning” as he threw scalding hot oil, melted down from butter sachets, over a female officer, causing severe burns. Following this, he stabbed two male officers with improvised knives approximately 30cm long, fashioned from cooking trays and wrapped kitchen towels used as handles.
Security officials have condemned the unprovoked attack as a meticulously planned act of violence. The deadly kitchen ambush has highlighted ongoing challenges in managing radicalised prisoners behind bars.
Durham Constabulary confirmed that Counter Terrorism Policing North East is leading the investigation. A police spokesperson stated, “The investigation into a serious assault of three prison officers at HMP Frankland remains ongoing. Two victims remain hospitalised with serious injuries; the third has been discharged. We are exploring all potential motivations and keeping an open mind as we establish the facts.”
This is not Hashem Abedi’s first violent incident in custody. He previously attacked guards at HMP Belmarsh in 2020. His continued violent behaviour has alarmed prison staff and security experts.
Former prison governor Ian Acheson warned that separation units are “tinderboxes” for rising extremism among inmates. The Prison Officers’ Association (POA) has called for urgent reviews of safety protocols and equipment. A POA spokesperson said, “Our officers go to work each day knowing the risks, but no one should face an attack of this scale. We salute the bravery and quick response of the staff involved.”
Public outrage has grown following the attack, with many expressing anger over how Abedi was able to improvise weapons and carry out such violence under close supervision. Social media users criticised the prison system for what they called a “massive security failure.”
Hashem Abedi is the younger brother of Salman Abedi, who detonated a suicide bomb at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester in May 2017, killing 22 people and injuring hundreds. In 2020, Hashem Abedi was found guilty of 22 counts of murder, attempted murder, and conspiracy to cause explosions. The judge ruled him equally responsible due to his role in planning and supplying materials for the attack.
The Ministry of Justice, Counter Terrorism Policing, and the Prison Service are expected to issue further statements regarding the incident. This latest violent episode is likely to accelerate calls for prison reform, radicalisation prevention measures, and enhanced staff safety in Parliament.
Stay tuned for updates as this developing story unfolds.
Originally published by UKNIP.
