Prisoners in 'fake suicide vests' attack officer screaming 'Allah'

POLICE are investigating a brutal attack on five members of staff by two prisoners wearing fake suicide vests at HMP Whitemoor in Cambridgeshire.

Liverpool: Bouncer pulled to the floor in city centre attack

Current Time 0:19

/

Duration 0:19

Loaded: 0%

Progress: 0%

Met Police Counter Terrorism Command confirmed they are investigating after five members of staff at HMP Whitemoor in Cambrideshire were attacked today. Scotland Yard said: "Due to certain circumstances relating to this incident, it was deemed appropriate for the investigation to be carried out by officers from the Met Police Counter Terrorism Command. "However, we must stress that at this early stage of the investigation we are keeping an open mind with regards to any

The BBC’s Home Affairs correspondent said the two prisoners were wearing fake suicide vests.

He wrote on Twitter: “Latest on the incident at HMP Whitemoor: The two prisoners involved in the incident were wearing fake suicide vests, BBC News has learned. 

“They were carrying improvised, bladed weapons.

“Incident occurred this morning as prisoners’ cells were being unlocked. One prison officer appeared to be the initial target of the attack.

The officer was stabbed and slashed. Other officers rushed to help their colleague.”

A Prison Service spokesperson told Express.co.uk: “Five members of staff at HMP Whitemoor attended hospital following a serious assault on an officer by two prisoners on 9 January.

"The incident was quickly resolved by our brave staff and our thoughts are with the injured officers at this time. 

“We do not tolerate assaults on our hardworking officers and will push for the strongest possible punishment. We have referred the incident to the police and it would be inappropriate

A prison source said the attackers shouted "Allah Akbar" as they slashed at officers with an "improvised weapon".

They told the Daily Express: "It was over quite quickly. It was horrendous for the five officers injured, particularly the one who was injured quite seriously. 

"Counter-terrorism police are investigating because of the people involved and some of the phrases that were used.

"It was a contained incident. They are not life-threatening injuries. They have blade injuries, they were slashed with an improvised weapon."

Attack on prison officer by inmates wearing fake suicide belts as they shouted 'Allahu Akbar' 'is terror incident' say police