Brother of Manchester Arena bomber has attacked three prison officers
The Prison Officers Association says Hashem Abedi has left three officers with 'life threatening injuries'
Last updated 12th Apr 2025
The Prison Officers Association says the brother of the Manchester Arena bomber has attacked three prison officers at HMP Frankland in County Durham, leaving them with life threatening injuries.
The POA says the officers have suffered burns, scalds and stab wounds, after Hashem Abedi threw hot cooking oil over them.
The union says he then produced home made weapons and proceeded to stab the officers.
Commenting on the attack, the National Chair of the POA 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 of the POA 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.”