Hashem Abedi, the brother of Manchester Arena bomber Salman Abedi, has violently attacked three prison officers at HMP Frankland in County Durham. The attack, which involved hot cooking oil and improvised weapons, has reignited national concerns over prison safety and the management of high-risk inmates.
Who is Hashem Abedi?
Hashem Abedi is serving a life sentence for his involvement in the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing, one of the deadliest terror attacks in UK history, claiming 22 lives and injuring hundreds more. Though his brother Salman detonated the bomb, Hashem helped plan and prepare the explosives, making him equally responsible in the eyes of the court.
What Happened at HMP Frankland?
On April 12, 2025, while working in the prison kitchen, Abedi launched a vicious attack. According to the Prison Officers' Association (POA), he threw hot cooking oil over two guards and then stabbed all three using makeshift 20cm-bladed weapons. One of the victims, a female officer, suffered critical injuries and had to be airlifted to hospital. The other two officers were also seriously hurt.
The prison was immediately placed on lockdown, and Abedi was moved to a segregation unit. A riot squad was deployed to prevent further escalation.,
A Pattern of Violence Behind Bars
This isn't Abedi's first violent outburst in prison. In 2020, while at HMP Belmarsh, he assaulted a guard along with two other convicted terrorists. That attack led to an additional prison sentence, but it clearly didn't stop him from acting out again.
Security experts and justice officials are questioning how someone with Abedi's record was granted access to the prison kitchen — a space filled with potentially dangerous items.
Government Response and Security Concerns
Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood called the attack “utterly abhorrent” and vowed that those responsible would face serious consequences. Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick went further, criticizing the decision to allow violent extremists access to kitchens or other unsecured prison jobs.
“This is a failure of risk management,” Jenrick stated. “Extremist prisoners should never be in situations where they can weaponize everyday items.”
The attack has triggered an urgent investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing North East and Durham Constabulary. It has also fueled broader conversations about prison reform — especially in relation to extremist inmates who continue to pose threats, even from behind bars.
As the UK grapples with how to manage terrorism-related offenders, this incident raises a critical question: Are we doing enough to keep prison officers, and the public, safe?
Add comment
Comments