The number of assaults on prison staff in England and Wales has reached a record high, with over 10,600 incidents reported in the past year — a 15% rise compared to the previous year, according to newly released figures from the Ministry of Justice.
The data comes amid mounting concern over deteriorating conditions in the UK’s overcrowded prison system. The Prison Officers’ Association (POA) said the system is nearing “breaking point,” with violence escalating and staff safety under constant threat.
One of the most serious incidents involved Hashem Abedi, the convicted Manchester Arena bomber, who allegedly attacked three officers at HMP Frankland in County Durham by throwing hot oil and stabbing them with improvised weapons. The incident is under police investigation.
Further compounding the crisis, the latest statistics also reveal:
A 37% increase in prison deaths, from 291 to 399 in the year to March 2025.
A rise in inmate self-harm and serious violence.
An increase in prison homicides, with seven reported this year compared to one the year before.
The POA has called for urgent action to tackle overcrowding, improve staff protection, and address what it describes as a “collapse” in prison safety standards.
Violence in Prisons at Record High as Officer Attacks and Deaths Surge Across England and Wales
