Up to 10,000 more prison officers will get stab-proof vests while hundreds will be given Tasers after a string of high-profile attacks.

Justice Secretary David Lammy announced £15m worth of new kit during a visit to Category A Belmarsh prison, in southeast London.

The number of vests available will rise from 750 to 10,000, with 5,000 earmarked to equip every officer working in high-security facilities.

Use of Tasers will also be ramped up after a trial of 20 specialist staff, with up to 500 officers to be trained to use the 1,500-volt weapons.

Image: Hashem Abedi. Pic: PA

The move comes after three officers were taken to hospital with serious injuries after they were allegedly attacked with hot oil and makeshift weapons at maximum-security HMP Frankland, in County Durham, in Apr

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