Inmate stabbed up to 15 times

The man was returned to prison after hospital treatment. Photo / File

A 27-year-old inmate was taken to hospital this morning in a serious condition after he was stabbed up to 15 times.

The man was assaulted by two other inmates at Auckland Prison high security D-block in Paremoremo about 11am, and was taken to Auckland City Hospital at 11.40am.

Corrections Association of New Zealand organiser Beven Hanlon said about 11 corrections officers intervened in the incident.

Mr Hanlon said there were staff on the landing when it happened, who had access to stab proof vests and were able to stop the assault.

"They were lucky the prisoners complied with corrections officers when they intervened, and the attack stopped."

He said sometimes prisoners attacked officers when they tried to break up fights - and even when wearing a vest, they could still be stabbed in the head, neck, arms or legs.

Officers needed pepper spray for their own protection, he said.

Corrections' northern regional commissioner Jeanette Burns confirmed staff had intervened to contain the incident and police had been informed.

"One prisoner was taken to hospital for treatment and has since returned to prison," she said.

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