MORE than 10,000 prison officers were attacked in overcrowded jails in England and Wales in the last year — an increase of almost one-third — new figures revealed today.

Of the 10,281 assaulted, the highest number for 20 years, nearly 1,000 prison officers suffered serious injuries needing medical treatment or hospitalisation.

The “serious” injuries include fractures, burns, extensive bruising, black eyes, broken noses and teeth, cuts, bites, temporary or permanent blindness and sexual assault.