Arena bomb-maker used five makeshift knives in attack on prison officers, court hears

Hashem Abedi, the Manchester Arena bomber’s brother-in-arms, is alleged to have used five makeshift knives to attack prison officers at HMP Frankland in County Durham on 12 April, prosecutors say. The assault is described as taking place during a prison hearing held at Woolwich Crown Court, which was conducted via video link from HMP Belmarsh, with Abedi flanked by five officers dressed in riot masks and protective body armour. Prosecutors allege the knives included three blades used at the start of the attack and two more taken from his cell after the assault began, and that he twice shouted "Allahu akbar" during the incident. He is charged with three counts of attempted murder, one count of assault causing actual bodily harm, and one count of possessing a knife, all connected to the alleged attack at the maximum-security facility.

Abedi, 28, is serving a life sentence for helping his suicide bomber brother Salman Abedi murder 22 people at the Manchester Arena in 2017. He was convicted of assisting with the Manchester terror plot in August 2020 and given a minimum term of 55 years. In the current proceedings, Abedi appeared by video link from Belmarsh prison to Woolwich Crown Court, and the hearing was conducted with him surrounded by security officers in riot gear. He wore a grey tracksuit during the appearance.

The incident at Frankland left three prison officers requiring hospital treatment, with two sustaining stab wounds and another suffering related injuries. Prosecutors also allege that Abedi threw boiling liquid during the attack. The Prison Officers Association said the staff involved sustained life-threatening injuries in what they described as an "unprovoked" and "vicious" assault. The defense has not been described in the available notes, and the case continues.

During the hearing, Abedi reportedly provided his name and date of birth when asked to confirm his identity. When asked for his address, he replied, "I'm at Belmarsh at the moment." He also indicated that he intended not to be legally represented. Abedi was remanded in custody and is due to appear again at the Old Bailey on 17 October.

The case underscores ongoing concerns about the handling of high-risk prisoners in the United Kingdom and the potential for violence connected to terrorism-related inmates within the country’s prison system. Authorities have emphasized the importance of robust security measures and careful procedural handling in such high-profile cases as they move through the courts.