Prison Service Halts Inmate Cooking After Terrorist Attack on Officers

The Ministry of Justice and counter-terrorism police are investigating how Hashem Abedi, a convicted terrorist, carried out a violent assault on prison staff at HMP Frankland.

Hashem Abedi, serving a life sentence for his role in the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing, attacked three prison officers with makeshift knives and hot oil at HMP Frankland on April 12, 2025.
Two officers remain seriously injured in the hospital, while a third was treated and discharged following the assault described as 'vicious' and 'unprovoked.'
The Prison Service has suspended self-cooking facilities for high-risk inmates in separation units and close supervision centers across England and Wales, with considerations for making the ban permanent.
Counter-terrorism police are leading an investigation into the attack, examining its full circumstances and potential motives, while charges including attempted murder are being considered.
The Ministry of Justice has launched a comprehensive review of prison security protocols to address systemic failures that allowed the attack to occur, drawing criticism from prison staff and unions.