A police officer who was stabbed in the chest at HMP Frankland in County Durham is in a stable condition, Durham police have confirmed.

The Greater Manchester Police officer was conducting an interview with a remand prisoner at the Category A prison on Tuesday morning when he suffered a single stab wound to the chest. A man in his 60s was detained after Durham police launched an investigation into the incident.

Initially he was in a critical condition, but is now considered to be stable.

A spokesperson for Durham Constabulary said: "The injured officer remains in hospital and is continuing to receive medical treatment.

"Thankfully, he has remained stable overnight and is no longer considered to be in a critical condition. Our officers are continuing to support the victim and the ongoing investigation into the incident is making good progress".

Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood said on X, formerly known as Twitter, that the news of the stabbing was "deeply concerning" on Tuesday.

Her full statement read: "Deeply concerning news from HMP Frankland today, where a police officer has been stabbed, though is conscious and talking in hospital. I am being kept up-to-date with all developments. And my thoughts are with that brave officer."

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said on Tuesday: "Violence in prisons is not tolerated and our thoughts are with the brave police officer stabbed at HMP Frankland today. Improving the safety of our prisons is one of the Lord Chancellor’s top priorities and she is being kept up-to-date on the situation."

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