Police have provided a significant update on the status of Ian Huntley, the convicted murderer of Soham, three days after he was violently assaulted at a prison workshop. Durham Constabulary shared the latest information after Huntley was attacked with a metal pole at HMP Frankland in County Durham. Huntley, aged 52, was swiftly taken to the hospital following the incident. As of Sunday afternoon, Durham Constabulary reported that there had been no changes in Huntley’s condition overnight. Sources indicated that Huntley’s prognosis following the assault was deemed to be a 5% chance of survival.
A spokesperson confirmed, “The 52-year-old individual remains in a serious condition in the hospital, with no overnight developments.”
Allegedly, Anthony Russell, a triple killer, shouted, “I’ve done it, I’ve done it,” after repeatedly striking Huntley over the head at HMP Frankland in Durham last Thursday. The law enforcement agency declined to disclose the identity of the suspect but mentioned that a man in his mid-40s was apprehended at the prison but not formally arrested.
Huntley, a former caretaker, was responsible for the tragic deaths of 10-year-olds Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman in Soham, Cambridgeshire, in August 2002. Russell, who received a whole-life sentence in 2021, was convicted of murdering Julie Williams, David Williams, and Nicole McGregor, alongside raping Ms. McGregor.
This recent assault on Huntley marks another attack on his life, with measures taken to closely monitor him to prevent such incidents.
In a previous incident in 2010, Huntley was slashed by robber Damien Fowkes, resulting in a severe neck wound that required extensive medical attention. Fowkes expressed a desire for Huntley’s demise at the time of the attack.
Reports suggest that Huntley was struck from behind in Thursday’s assault. Sources indicated that the assailant struck Huntley up to 15 times with a three-foot metal pole while he was occupied in the workshop, causing him to sustain severe injuries including a broken jaw and brain damage. Huntley is currently receiving medical treatment while connected to a ventilator.