Ian Huntley has died in hospital after he was attacked in prison on Thursday, February 26. The Soham Killer was attacked by an inmate with a metal bar in the workshop of HMP Frankland.

It was reported that Huntley’s life-support machine was switched off last night (Friday, March 7) after the 52-year-old suffered severe brain trauma during the attack. The former school caretaker was given a life sentence, which recommended he serve at least 40 years in prison for the murder of 10-year-olds Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman on August 4 2002.

It is believed Anthony Russell, 43, had allegedly shouted “I’ve done it, I’ve done it” after Huntley was attacked. Russell is currently serving a whole-life sentence after murdering Julie Williams, 58, her son David Williams, 32, and pregnant 31-year-old Nicole McGregor. Russell had also raped Ms McGregor.

Durham Constabulary has not named the suspect but has confirmed that a man in his mid-40s had been detained after the attack. An investigation is currently ongoing and a file is being prepared for the Crown Prosecution Service for consideration for charges.

A spokesman for Durham Constabulary said: “A man who was attacked at HMP Frankland in Durham last week has died in hospital this morning.

“Ian Huntley, 52, was taken to hospital with serious injuries following an incident in the workshop on the morning of Thursday, February 26. A police investigation into the circumstances of the incident is ongoing. A file is being prepared for the Crown Prosecution Service for consideration for charges.”