Ian Huntley assault suspect recognized as triple killer who shouted ‘I’ve killed him’

The inmate who is suspected of attacking Ian Huntley in prison, leaving him fighting for his life after being found in a pool of blood, has been identified as a triple killer.

Huntley, who is serving a life sentence in HMP Frankland, was treated for head injuries and remains in a serious condition in hospital, the force said yesterday evening (February 26).

Former caretaker Huntley killed 10-year-olds Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman after they left a family barbecue to buy sweets in Soham, Cambridgeshire, on August 4 2002, then dumped their bodies in a ditch.

A prisoner in his mid-40s has been identified as a suspect in the attack, according to police., but has since been revealed by multiple publications as Anthony Russell.

Ensure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as a Preferred Source in your Google search settings

A man reportedly yelled “I’ve done it, I’ve done it” after the Soham killer was attacked in the workshop and taken to hospital.

The Sun, which first reported the attack, said the killer was knocked unconscious with a metal pole and quoted a source saying his condition was “touch and go”.

According to the paper, a man shouted “I’ve done it, I’ve done it” after the 52-year-old was hit six times.

The Mail claims that multiple sources have confirmed Russell was the one who launched the assault, with one telling the publication he was working in the segregated wing when he was smashed in the head with a metal bar produced from the recycling.

They said: “Huntley was working in waste management with other prisoners from Wing A, the segregated wing for prisoners who can’t be in the normal jail population for their own protection.

“The other prisoner got a metal bar from the waste metal crates and smashed Huntley three times in the head with it. It was a very, very serious injury, having been struck on the skull like that.” They claimed that Russell declared afterwards: “I’ve done it, I’ve done it. I’ve killed him, I’ve killed him.”

Thursday’s assault was the latest attempt on Huntley’s life and he was thought to have been kept under close observation to prevent similar attacks.

He is serving a life sentence with a recommendation that he serves at least 40 years for the murders.

In 2010, robber Damien Fowkes slashed Huntley with a home-made weapon, causing a “severe, gaping cut to the left side of his neck” with a 7in (18cm) wound which required 21 stitches.

Fowkes asked a prison officer: “Is he dead? I hope so.” He described Huntley as a “notorious child killer, both inside prison and in society in general”.

For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletter by clicking here.