Inmates attack jail guards

Two Rimutaka Prison guards were viciously bashed just minutes before a tour there by new Corrections Minister Damien O'Connor.

Staff described yesterday's bashing as "one of the most horrific attacks" they had seen.

The attack is believed to have happened after an inmate challenged a guard to a fight. Three other inmates joined in and all four started kicking the guard in the head.

Another guard was attacked when he came to help. Other staff subdued the attackers.

The first guard received black eyes, a broken nose and other facial injuries. The second guard was bruised.