UPDATE: |Use of Tasers in prisons to be trialled after Manchester bomb plotter attack on guards News

Four prison officers were injured in an attack by Manchester bomb plotter Hashem Abedi

The use of Tasers in prisons is to be trialled after prison guards were attacked with hot oil and homemade weapons. Four prison officers were injured at HMP Frankland in Co Durham by Manchester bomb plotter Hashem Abedi, with three taken to hospital earlier this month.

Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood previously announced the Prison Service will investigate whether frontline staff should be given protective body armour. The Ministry of Justice has pledged to carry out a review following the incident.

It comes after union bosses called for officers to be given stab vests and protective equipment, arguing the incident shows ‘how dangerous our job is’.

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Speaking in the Commons on Tuesday, Ms Mahmood said: “The House will be aware of the attack at HMP Frankland on the 12 of April. The bravery of the officers involved that day undoubtedly saved lives, my thoughts are with them as they recover.

“I think also of the victims of the Manchester Arena bombing and their families who are understandably outraged.

“Since the attack, I have suspended access to kitchens in separation centres and in close supervision centres. Alongside that, an independent review will ascertain how this incident was able to happen, what more must be done to protect prison staff and, more widely, how separation centres are run.

“The Prison Service will also conduct a snap review of the use of protective bodily armour. In addition, I can today announce that HMPPS (HM Prison and Probation Service) will trial the use of Tasers in our prisons. Wherever we can strengthen our defences, to better protect our staff and the public, we will do so.”

Ms Mahmood said: “What is completely improper is to take his position, in this House, to indulge in a wider attack of the judiciary at a time when we know that judicial security has been compromised.”

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: “We will do whatever it takes to protect our hardworking staff. Since November last year, the Prison Service has been exploring the use of Tasers in our prisons.

“This summer, an operational trial into Tasers will be launched for specialised officers to help staff respond to high-risk incidents more effectively.”