Inmate in serious condition after attack

A prisoner at Northland's Ngawha Prison is in a serious condition after a prolonged attack by another inmate yesterday.

Police said the victim's injuries were not life threatening but he suffered "some nasty damage to his eyes".

He was airlifted to Whangarei Hospital after being found in his cell yesterday.

Detective Sergeant Rhys Johnston said the victim was given a "real working over" in a sustained attack but police did not believe weapons were used.

He said the inquiry was still in its early stages but an inmate was likely to be charged later today, probably with injuring with intent to injure.

One unit of the prison was temporarily locked down after the attack while police carried out an investigation.

The Department of Corrections said a second lockdown today while staff conducted a search of cells for weapons was unrelated to yesterday's incident.

- NZPA