By Rachel Russell, The Express, January 9, 2020

Met Police Counter Terrorism Command confirmed they are investigating after five members of staff at HMP Whitemoor in Cambrideshire were attacked today. Scotland Yard said: “Due to certain circumstances relating to this incident, it was deemed appropriate for the investigation to be carried out by officers from the Met Police Counter Terrorism Command. “However, we must stress that at this early stage of the investigation we are keeping an open mind with regards to any motives and enquiries to establish the full circumstances of the incident are ongoing.”

The BBC’s Home Affairs correspondent said the two prisoners were wearing fake suicide vests.

He wrote on Twitter: “Latest on the incident at HMP Whitemoor: The two prisoners involved in the incident were wearing fake suicide vests, BBC News has learned.

“They were carrying improvised, bladed weapons.”



Met Police Counter Terrorism Command are investigating an incident

“The officer was stabbed and slashed. Other officers rushed to help their colleague.”

A Prison Service spokesperson told Express.co.uk: “Five members of staff at HMP Whitemoor attended hospital following a serious assault on an officer by two prisoners on 9 January.

“The incident was quickly resolved by our brave staff and our thoughts are with the injured officers at this time.

“We do not tolerate assaults on our hardworking officers and will push for the strongest possible punishment. We have referred the incident to the police and it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.”