Soham Murderer Ian Huntley in Serious Condition Following Prison Workshop Assault
Ian Huntley, the notorious murderer convicted of killing 10-year-olds Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman in Soham, Cambridgeshire in 2002, is currently in a serious condition in hospital after being assaulted in prison. The incident occurred on the morning of Thursday, 26 February 2026, at HMP Frankland in County Durham, where Huntley is serving a life sentence with a minimum of 40 years.
Details of the Prison Attack
According to reports from Sky News, Huntley, now 52 years old, was found in a pool of blood following an alleged attack by an unknown inmate in a workshop at the high-security prison. He sustained significant head injuries and was transported to hospital by road ambulance after emergency services were dispatched to the scene at 9:23 am. The North East Ambulance Service confirmed they sent two ambulance crews and requested support from the Great North Air Ambulance Service.
A spokesman for Durham Constabulary stated: "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."
Suspect Identified in the Investigation
Police investigating the incident have identified a suspect described as a male prisoner in his mid-40s. While he has not been formally arrested at this stage, he remains in detention within the prison as the investigation continues. A Prison Service spokesperson commented: "A prisoner is receiving treatment after an incident at HMP Frankland on Thursday morning. It would be inappropriate to comment further while police investigate."
History of Attacks on Huntley in Prison
This is not the first time Huntley has been targeted with violence while incarcerated at HMP Frankland. In 2011, inmate Damien Fowkes was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 20 years for slashing Huntley's throat with a makeshift knife in March 2010. The court heard that Fowkes inflicted a wound seven inches long on Huntley's neck, with the weapon narrowly missing vital structures through what was described as "good fortune." Fowkes was also convicted of the manslaughter of child killer Colin Hatch in the same incident.
Background of the Soham Murders
The disappearance and subsequent murders of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman in August 2002 captured national attention and led to one of the most intensive criminal investigations in British history. Huntley, who worked as the school caretaker, killed the two 10-year-old girls after they left a family barbecue to buy sweets, then dumped their bodies in a ditch. In a disturbing twist, he presented himself as a volunteer to help search for the missing girls and even gave interviews to reporters on camera.
Huntley was convicted of both murders in December 2003 and received two life sentences. His girlfriend at the time, Maxine Carr, who served as the girls' teaching assistant, was sentenced to three and a half years in prison for conspiring to pervert the course of justice by providing Huntley with a false alibi.
The latest assault on Huntley raises questions about prison security and the safety of high-profile inmates within the correctional system. As police continue their investigation into the workshop attack, Huntley remains under medical care for his serious injuries, with his condition being closely monitored by authorities.
