A police officer is critically ill after being stabbed in the chest at HMP Frankland, a high-security prison in Durham.

The officer, who is from Greater Manchester Police, was injured just after 11 am on Tuesday morning (July 23). 

A police investigation has been launched, and a man in his 60s has been detained. 

Land and air ambulance crews were called to the notorious, category A jail and he was taken to hospital in a critical condition but was talking and conscious, Durham Police said.

The incident occurred whilst the police officer was interviewing a remand prisoner.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: “An officer from our Major Incident Team was stabbed by an inmate at HM Prison Frankland.

“He was transported to hospital in a critical condition, where he is being treated for his injuries.

“We have made the family aware of this incident and are supporting them through this incredibly difficult time.”

In a statement, a Durham Police spokesman said: “Shortly after 11am this morning, Durham Constabulary were called to an incident at HMP Frankland in Durham City.

“A police officer, who was visiting the facility from an outside force, suffered a stab wound to the chest during the incident.

“The injured officer has been taken to hospital by ambulance, where he is described as being ‘conscious and talking’.”

Detective Chief Inspector Chris Smiles, who is leading the Durham Police investigation into the stabbing, said: "First and foremost, our thoughts are with our colleague, who suffered appalling injuries while simply doing his job. 

"Thankfully, his condition is no longer critical and we wish him a full and speedy recovery. 

"We are liaising with the victim and his family, and our investigation is ongoing."

A local resident told the Press Association that they saw the air ambulance land nearby.

HMP Frankland, in Brasside, Durham, is a category A prison, the highest level of security, meaning some of the worst offenders are locked up there. 

On X, formerly Twitter, Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood said: "Deeply concerning news from HMP Frankland today, where a police officer has been stabbed, though is conscious and talking in hospital.

"I am being kept up-to-date with all developments. And my thoughts are with that brave officer."

Mary Kelly Foy, Durham City MP, commented: "I’m very concerned about this. My thoughts are with the officer and their family.

"I’m relieved to hear the officer is conscious and talking in hospital. I’m in contact with officials at HMP Frankland."

Home Secretary Evette Cooper said: "I am appalled that a police officer has been attacked at HMP Frankland this morning. My thoughts are with the officer & his family and I wish him a speedy recovery.

"I am receiving updates from Durham Police as they begin their investigation."

The jail holds more than 800 men, with inmates thought to include Damien Bendall, who is serving a whole life term for murdering his partner Terri Harris, 35, her daughter Lacey Bennett, 11, her son John Paul Bennett, 13, and Lacey’s friend Connie Gent, also 11, in Killamarsh, Derbyshire, in 2021.

The Sun reported in May that he had attacked another inmate at the prison with a claw hammer.

Other prisoners being held at the jail are thought to include Wayne Couzens, the-then serving police officer who kidnapped, raped and murdered Sarah Everard, and Levi Bellfield, who killed Milly Dowler, Marsha McDonnell and Amelie Delagrange, and tried to kill Kate Sheedy.

Double murderer and necrophiliac David Fuller appeared via video link from the jail for his trial for sexually abusing bodies in 2022, while Soham murderer Ian Huntley is also said to be held there.

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Liberian war criminal Charles Taylor, who is serving a 50-year sentence, is another notorious Frankland resident.

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: “Violence in prisons is not tolerated and our thoughts are with the brave police officer stabbed at HMP Frankland today.

“Improving the safety of our prisons is one of the Lord Chancellor’s top priorities and she is being kept up-to-date on the situation.”