Gardaí are investigating a violent attack on a prison officer by an inmate who tried to escape during a medical escort in Dublin this morning.
The inmate, who is serving life in prison for murder, stabbed the officer under the eye with what is believed to be a sharpened toilet brush.
He had been brought from Mountjoy Prison this morning to a private clinic for a medical appointment.
When he was being escorted back to the van handcuffed to the officer, he tried to run and attacked the officer when he could not escape.
Prison sources say he had been searched before he left the prison and all security protocols were followed, but the weapon did not register on the metal detector because it was wood or plastic.
Three officers who were on the escort subdued the inmate and returned him to jail.
He was convicted of murder after he stabbed a man to death in Dublin several years ago.
The prison officer was treated in hospital for his injuries.
The Prison Officers Association (POA) confirmed that a prison officer was assaulted and injured while on duty in Mountjoy prison today.
It said the incident again highlights the risks, challenges and dangers faced by prison officers as they carry out their duties on behalf of the state.
"These challenges are faced daily by prison officers and indeed their families," the POA said.
The Irish Prison Service said in a statement it is aware of an incident that occurred with an escort from Mountjoy Prison earlier today.
"An Garda Síochána have been informed and therefore the Irish Prison Service cannot comment on an ongoing investigation".
Minister for Justice Simon Harris strongly condemned the attack on the prison officer.
Mr Harris said the case highlights "the very dangerous circumstances in which prison officers carry out essential work on behalf of the public".
"My thoughts are with the prison officer who was injured in a serious assault today, as well as with his family and colleagues in the Irish Prison Service," he said.
