Reports suggest that Huntley was left in a ‘pool of blood’ after the incident
Ian Huntley’s alleged attacker reportedly yelled “I’ve done it, I’ve done it” after the Soham killer was was bludgeoned by a metal pole at a maximum security jail, according to reports.
Durham Constabulary has confirmed that a prisoner, understood to be Huntley, was assaulted in the workshop of HMP Frankland near Durham on Thursday morning and taken to hospital.
The Sun, which first reported the attack, said the killer was knocked unconscious with a metal pole and quoted a source saying his condition was “touch and go”.
According to the paper, a man shouted “I’ve done it, I’ve done it” after the 52-year-old was hit six times. The Press Association understands Huntley was left in a pool of blood after the incident.
Huntley was treated for head injuries and remains in a serious condition in hospital, the force said on Thursday afternoon.
A prisoner in his mid-40s has been identified as a suspect in the attack, according to police.
A spokesman for Durham Constabulary said: “The 52-year-old prisoner who was injured during this morning’s assault in the workshop at HMP Frankland remains in a serious condition in hospital following treatment for head injuries.
“Police forensic teams have examined the scene of the attack throughout the day to gather evidence.
“A suspect, a male prisoner in his mid-40s, has been identified by officers investigating the incident.
“He has not been arrested at this stage but remains in detention within the prison.”
Former caretaker Huntley killed 10-year-olds Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman after they left a family barbecue to buy sweets in Soham, Cambridgeshire, on August 4 2002, then dumped their bodies in a ditch.
Thursday’s assault was the latest attempt on Huntley’s life and he was thought to have been kept under close observation to prevent similar attacks.
He is serving a life sentence with a recommendation that he serves at least 40 years for the murders.
In 2010, robber Damien Fowkes slashed Huntley with a home-made weapon, causing a “severe, gaping cut to the left side of his neck” with a 7in (18cm) wound which required 21 stitches.
Fowkes asked a prison officer: “Is he dead? I hope so.”
He described Huntley as a “notorious child killer, both inside prison and in society in general”.