Christchurch prison inmate stabbed in the head

The man was stabbed in the head multiple times with a piece of wire. Photo / iStock

An inmate at Christchurch Men's Prison has been stabbed in the head by a group of men.

The 26-year-old male prisoner was serving lunch at around noon yesterday when he was grabbed by "three or four" men and attacked, police say.

Detective Sergeant Geoff Rudduck says he was stabbed in the head multiple times with a piece of wire.

The injured inmate was taken back to his cell and given stitches for some cuts to his head that weren't life threatening.

Police say they are investigating the possibility of a gang connection.

Christchurch Men's Prison director John Roper confirmed the incident is being investigated by police.

"Staff sought immediate medical assistance for him, and he received treatment onsite for superficial wounds," he said.

"Corrections manages some of New Zealand's most difficult and challenging citizens, and many offenders resort to violent behaviour as a means of resolving issues.

"The Department will not tolerate prisoners using violence against staff or other prisoners, and prisoners will be held to account for their actions".