Prison inmate in serious condition after stabbing

A Tongariro-Rangipo prison inmate remained in a serious condition in Waikato Hospital's intensive care unit after he was stabbed several times yesterday.

It is understood the man was attacked about 1.50pm after two inmates argued in the prison's Pine unit.

It is believed one man went to the unit's communal carving room to get a chisel.

A prison guard yelled out for the inmate to stop but he rushed into a cell. By the time staff arrived he had the victim held around the neck and had stabbed him three to five times.

It is understood at least one inmate helped staff as they tried to disarm the attacker.

Detective Constable Kevan Verry of the Turangi CIB said the 53-year-old victim's injuries included puncture wounds to his back and throat.

A spokeswoman for Waikato Hospital said the inmate was in a serious but stable condition in the intensive care unit.

A Corrections Department spokesman was not available for comment this morning.

Mr Verry said a 32-year-old inmate was arrested in connection with the attack and would appear in Taupo District Court next Monday.

- NZPA