Suspect identified in connection with Soham killer Ian Huntley attack
The 52-year-old is reported to have been assaulted at HMP Frankland in County Durham this morning
Last updated 26th Feb 2026
A prisoner in his mid-40s has been identified as a suspect in the attack on Soham killer Ian Huntley at a maximum security jail in County Durham.
Durham Constabulary said a prisoner - understood to be 52-year-old Huntley, who grew up in Grimsby - was assaulted in the workshop of HMP Frankland near Durham on Thursday morning before being taken to hospital.
He was treated for head injuries and remains in a serious condition in hospital, the force said on Thursday afternoon.
A spokesman for Durham Constabulary said: "The 52-year-old prisoner who was injured during this morning's assault in the workshop at HMP Frankland remains in a serious condition in hospital following treatment for head injuries.
"Police forensic teams have examined the scene of the attack throughout the day to gather evidence.
"A suspect, a male prisoner in his mid-40s, has been identified by officers investigating the incident.
"He has not been arrested at this stage but remains in detention within the prison."
Former school caretaker Huntley killed 10-year-olds Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman after they left a family barbecue to buy sweets in Soham, Cambridgeshire, on August 4 2002, then dumped their bodies in a ditch.