HMP Altcourse: Prison officer's neck 'slashed by inmate'

The officer is believed to have been attacked during a prisoner transfer

A prison officer has had his neck slashed by an inmate at a prison on Merseyside, the BBC understands.

The officer was taken to hospital where his condition was described as "stable", a Merseyside Police spokesman said.

He said the force was investigating an "assault of a member of staff at HMP Altcourse on Wednesday".

The BBC understands the attack took place in a transfer area and the inmate was on remand facing serious charges.

Director for HMP Altcourse Steve Williams said: "We continue to support the officer and his family."