Double child murderer Ian Huntley has expressed his concerns about potentially facing a fatal attack while serving his 40-year prison sentence at HMP Frankland in County Durham. Huntley, infamous for the tragic deaths of 10-year-olds Jessica Chapman and Holly Wells in Soham in 2002, was reportedly assaulted with a 3ft-long iron bar at a recycling workshop inside the prison.

According to a prison source, Huntley had foreseen the possibility of being targeted, stating that he believed “they’ll get me sooner or later.” The individual suspected in the attack has been identified as triple killer Anthony Russell, although official confirmation of his involvement is pending.

Reports suggest that Huntley was aware of his unpopularity among fellow inmates, with some openly expressing their desire to harm him. Huntley confided in relatives and close acquaintances about his apprehensions, even expressing a preference for a swift and painless demise if such an event were to occur.

The inmate’s recent engagement in prison activities such as working in a workshop and using the gym increased his exposure to potential threats from other prisoners. Huntley had been residing in an ‘enhanced’ wing at HMP Frankland, designed to keep inmates segregated from the general prison population, alongside other high-profile individuals like Levi Belfield and Wayne Couzens.

Following the assault that left Huntley with severe head injuries, medical professionals reportedly estimated his chances of survival at a mere 5%. As of the latest update, a spokesperson for Durham Constabulary has confirmed that the 52-year-old remains in serious condition at a hospital, with no significant changes in his health status overnight.