Inmates ‘wearing fake suicide vests’ attack prison officers at HMP Whitemoor, launching counter-terror probe

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Andrew Feinberg

White House Correspondent

Counter-terrorism police have opened an investigation after two inmates at a maximum security prison in Cambridgeshire launched an attack on a prison officer, leaving five staff in hospital.

A Prison Service spokesman said the incident on Thursday was "quickly resolved by brave staff" at the 458-capacity HMP Whitemoor in Cambridgeshire.

The Independent understands prisoners were wearing fake suicide vests during the assault, prompting the intervention of Metropolitan Police counter-terror officers.

A Scotland Yard spokesperson 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 motives and enquiries to establish the full circumstances of the incident are ongoing”.

A spokesman for the prison service added: “Five members of staff at HMP Whitemoor attended hospital following a serious assault on an officer by two prisoners on January 9.

“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 to comment further at this time.”