Prison officers seek protective equipment after assault

Prisoner officers have called for better protective equipment like batons and pepper spray after a violent assault in Midlands prison.

The call comes following an incident in Midlands Prison on Tuesday when four staff were attacked by convicted rapist Lovemore Dube, aged 28. It is understood the prisoner attacked four staff members, biting them on the hands and arms. One prison officer suffered a broken finger after being bitten through to the bone.

Assistant general secretary of the Irish Prisoner Officers Association (IPOA) Gabriel Keaveney said the attack demonstrated the need for better protection for officers.