A prison officer has reportedly been airlifted to hospital with serious injuries after being stabbed by an inmate at HMP Long Lartin, a high-security Category A men’s prison near Evesham.

The incident occurred shortly before 9am on Friday 30 May, with West Mercia Police confirming they were called to the prison at around 10am following reports of a violent assault. The inmate involved remains in custody within the facility, and an investigation is ongoing.

Emergency Response and Victim’s Condition

According to the West Midlands Ambulance Service, emergency crews—including an ambulance, two paramedic officers, and the Midlands Air Ambulance—were dispatched at 8:39am. The injured man was treated on-site for a stab wound before being airlifted to hospital in serious condition.

While the Ministry of Justice has not yet issued an official statement,  UK News in Pictures understands the victim is a prison officer, intensifying concern about escalating violence against frontline staff in UK prisons.

Security Breach Concerns Over Drone-Smuggled Weapon

Unconfirmed reports suggest the weapon used may have been smuggled into the prison via drone, a tactic increasingly used to deliver contraband to inmates. If confirmed, this would represent a major breach in security protocols at one of Britain’s most secure prisons.

Prison staff and unions have long warned about the rising use of drones to deliver drugs, weapons, and mobile phones into correctional facilities—issues that have outpaced current countermeasures.

Mounting Pressure on Prison Safety

The stabbing at HMP Long Lartin follows a string of violent incidents in UK prisons. Just last month, three officers were injured at HMP Frankland when Hashem Abedi, the convicted Manchester Arena bomber, launched a brutal attack using boiling oil and improvised weapons. That incident prompted a Ministry of Justice safety review.

Today’s stabbing further fuels concerns that violence in prisons is spiralling, and that staff are increasingly being placed in dangerous and unmanageable situations.

A prison insider commented:

“This isn’t just another incident—it’s a warning light. Officers face daily threats, but being stabbed and airlifted is something we should never accept as normal.”

Appeal for Information and Witnesses

Anyone with knowledge of the incident or who may have seen suspicious drone activity in the area is urged to contact West Mercia Police via 101, quoting today’s date and incident location.