A PRISON service chief has suggested adopting a different approach for ”ideologically driven extremists” following Manchester Arena bomb plotter Hashem Abedi’s alleged attack on prison staff last month.

HM Prison and Probation Service director general of operations Phil Copple said today it was ”deeply concerning” that there were no warning signs before the attack at high security HMP Frankland on April 12, after which three officers received hospital treatment.

Abedi was held in its separation wing, used to house the most dangerous prisoners, with access to a kitchen and cooking facilities at the time.