Prisoner in serious condition after assault

Police in Canterbury are investigating the incident involving two inmates at the Christchurch Men's Prison

A male prisoner in Christchurch is in a serious condition in hospital after being assaulted with a broom.

Police in Canterbury are investigating the incident involving two inmates at the Christchurch Men's Prison this morning. Emergency services were called to the prison at about 9am.

Detective Elliot Western said one person had been taken to Christchurch Hospital after suffering "serious injuries.''

A police statement went on to say they would not make any more comment on the matter "due to the sensitive nature of the ongoing investigation.''

Police did not say what weapon was used in the assault.

However, a spokesman for the Corrections Association of New Zealand told the Herald he understood the prisoner had been beaten severely with a broom.

Christchurch Men's Prison director John Roper confirmed that a prisoner had been assaulted by a fellow inmate.

"The victim has been hospitalised and is receiving medical treatment.

"Corrections manages some of New Zealand's most difficult and challenging citizens," Mr Roper said.

"Violence in prison is not tolerated and any prisoners who use violence will be held to account."

CANZ industrial officer Beven Hanlon said he had initially been told an inmate had been stabbed.

"But I then got contacted from someone afterwards saying actually that wasn't the case - but that he was attacked with a broom.

"He was beaten quite badly and that he was now in hospital,'' he said.

"One [inmate] came up behind him with a broom, beat him, knocked him to the ground and continued to beat him until staff stopped him. I understand that he's not in a good way. That's how it's been put to me - it's pretty serious.''

Mr Hanlon said the incident again highlighted the need for prison guards and prison officers to be better equipped in the job.

Although guards wore heavy-duty vests, they were not allowed to carry pepper spray - something Mr Hanlon said was something that could hugely assist guards facing a dangerous situation with a prisoner.

Prison director for Christchurch Men's Prison, John Roper, confirmed that a prisoner had been assaulted by a fellow inmate.

"The victim has been hospitalised and is receiving medical treatment.

"Corrections manages some of New Zealand's most difficult and challenging citizens. Violence in prison is not tolerated and any prisoners who use violence will be held to account,'' Mr Roper said.