Prison officer attacked on morning jog
An off-duty prison officer was injured after he was struck on the head by a motorcycle rider yesterday.
The victim, a 40-year-old man, was taken to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital with a cut on his head after the incident, which happened as he jogged on South Road, Southampton, at about 6am.
Timothy Seon, head of the Prison Officers Association, said he had no further details on the incident other than the information released by police.
He added: “My sympathy goes out to the officer and his family, first and foremost. This could’ve happen to any of us.
Mr Seon said: “The POA have expressed the concerns about the inherent dangers regarding our work on and off duty.
“We are optimistic that Government will work with the POA in creating added measures of security for officers moving forward in the very near future.”
A police spokesman said that an investigation into the incident had been launched.
Wayne Caines, the Minister of National Security, condemned the attack. He said: “The safety and wellbeing of all of our corrections officers, whether on duty or off duty, is of paramount concern to us.”
Mr Caines said that he had reached out for an update on the victim’s condition.
He added: “I understand that police are actively investigating this incident and it would be premature to offer substantive comment.”
Mr Caines said witnesses should contact police.
Anyone who was near Warwick Camp and Southampton Rangers Sports Club at the time should contact police or the Crime
Stoppers hotline on 800-8477.