The Ministry of Justice has launched a probe into an "appalling" attack on prison guards at HMP Frankland by the Manchester Arena bomber's brother.

On Saturday morning, terrorist Hashem Abedi launched an "unprovoked attack" on staff, leaving them with life-threatening injuries including burns, scalds and stab wounds.

Abedi threw hot cooking oil over them, then produced homemade weapons and proceeded to stab the officers, the Prison Officers Association (POA) added.

Two of the guards are still in hospital in a stable condition.

An MoJ statement on Sunday reads: "Our thoughts remain with the two prison officers still in hospital as they recover.

Shabana Mahmood's MoJ has ordered an urgent review

"There will be a full review into how this attack was able to happen, alongside the separate police inquiry.

"The Government will do whatever it takes to keep our hardworking staff safe."

That came after Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood said yesterday: "I am appalled by the attack of three brave officers at HMP Frankland today. My thoughts are with them and their families. The police are now investigating.

"I will be pushing for the strongest possible punishment. Violence against our staff will never be tolerated."

Hashem Abedi threw hot cooking oil over guards, then produced homemade weapons and proceeded to stab them

Late last night, counter-terror police announced that they had taken over an existing regional police investigation into the attack - which Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick, like his Cabinet counterpart, dubbed "appalling".

Counter-terrorism policing Commander Dom Murphy said: "Given the nature of the incident, it has been agreed that CTP North East will lead the investigation, supported by Durham Constabulary.

"This is an ongoing investigation which is in its early stages, and we are working hard to establish the facts. Therefore, we are unable to comment further at this time."

Robert Jenrick dubbed the attack at HMP Frankland 'appalling'

The POA's national chair Mark Fairhurst also called for action following Saturday's attack.

He said in a statement: "First and foremost, my thoughts are with the injured staff, their families and colleagues. No officer should be subject to cowardly and vicious attacks at work.

"The POA will support our members as much as we need during this traumatic time. This attack displays the dangers brave prison officers face on a daily basis.

"Separation centres hold the most dangerous terrorist offenders who simply do not wish to alter their ideology - and as this event confirms, are determined to inflict violence on those who hold them securely.

"We must now review the freedoms we allow separation centre prisoners have. I am of the opinion that allowing access to cooking facilities and items that can threaten the lives of staff should be removed immediately.

"These prisoners need only receive their basic entitlements and we should concentrate on control and containment instead of attempting to appease them. Things have to change."