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Attacks on prison officers soar since Tories took power
A total of 543 assaults by prisoners on officers were referred to the police in 2012

Serious assaults on prison officers have increased by nearly half since the coalition took power, the government admitted yesterday.

A total of 543 assaults by prisoners on officers were referred to the police in 2012 - three attacks every two days and 45 per cent more than the 374 in 2010.

But prison officers union POA said the real figures were "significantly higher" because assaults are underreported.

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