A BRUTAL attack by an HMP Isle of Wight inmate on a prison teacher is being investigated by police.
The woman suffered head and face injuries following the attack on Monday, according to police.
A prison service spokesman said: "We do not tolerate any violence against the dedicated staff who work with our offenders and will always push for the strongest possible punishment.
"The police are investigating, so it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage."
Police confirmed the victim required hospital treatment.
The attack came amid rising concerns about an increase in violence in Britain’s jails and a lack of prison staff.
It happened on the same day a shocking BBC Panorama documentary revealed widespread drug use, a lack of control and serious security issues in HMP Northumberland.
An undercover reporter spent two months as a prison guard at the jail. Secretly filmed footage showed some prisoners high or drunk and use of the synthetic drug, 'spice’, was also found to be widespread.
In November, prison officers at HMP IW staged a mass walkout as part of nationwide industrial action about safety concerns.

Reporter: davidn@iwcpmail.co.uk