Jail officer stable in hospital after attack

The 49-year-old officer was working at Armley Prison in Leeds when he was subjected to a "a very sustained, violent attack", a prison source said.

He is believed to have suffered a fractured cheekbone and compressed eye socket in the incident, at about 5.30pm on Tuesday.

He was being treated last night at Leeds General Infirmary. Police described his condition as stable.

Two men were being questioned about the attack, which is thought to have occurred after the officer entered a cell to advise an inmate.

A spokeswoman for West Yorkshire Police said: "At 5.30pm on Tuesday we received a report of an assault on a prison officer at HMP Leeds.

"The victim, who is aged 49, was taken to Leeds General Infirmary, where he is currently being treated.

"We have arrested a 39-year-old man and a 25-year-old man in connection with the incident. They are currently in custody."

Last month three prison officers at high-security Frankland jail in County Durham were stabbed with a broken bottle, prompting the Prison Officers Association to demand more protection for its members.