Dangerous inmates should not have access to prison kitchen, union chair says

Hashem Abedi is the prime suspect for the attack, in which a makeshift sharp weapon was used in conjunction with cooking fat. Photograph: Greater Manchester police/AP

Inmates in the jail where three guards were allegedly attacked by the brother of the Manchester Arena bomber were allowed in a kitchen with knives despite being assessed as being so dangerous they should be isolated from other prisoners, according to claims by a union official.

The prime suspect for the attack is Hashem Abedi, 28, brother of the Manchester Arena bomber. The attacker used a makeshift sharp weapon fashioned out of metal during the sustained attack, as well as cooking fat. One officer suffered third degree burns.