Prison officers are pushing for staff to be equipped with electric stun guns to enhance safety in the UK’s most dangerous prisons. The demand comes ahead of a meeting with Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood following a violent attack by Hashem Abedi, one of the perpetrators of the Manchester Arena bombing, at HMP Frankland in County Durham. Abedi assaulted officers by throwing hot oil and attacking them with makeshift weapons.
Mark Fairhurst, national chair of the Prison Officers’ Association (POA), emphasized the need for tactical taser use, stating that current measures—such as extendable batons and incapacitant spray are insufficient in life-threatening situations. “We want specially trained staff who can deploy tasers to neutralize threats,” he said. The POA is also renewing calls for stab vests for all staff and stricter “Supermax”-style rules for high-risk inmates, including restricted movement and constant escort by three officers.
Justice Secretary Mahmood acknowledged the need for better protection, announcing a full independent review of the HMP Frankland incident. The review will assess security policies, including access to kitchens where the attack occurred. Additionally, an internal review on protective body armor will be conducted, though stun guns were not mentioned in the official statement.
Abedi, serving a life sentence for his role in the 2017 Manchester Arena attack, was moved to Belmarsh Prison after the incident. The case has sparked criticism from survivors and victims’ families, prompting calls for stricter prison security measures.
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