Updated 4.45pm.

A PRISON OFFICER is being treated in hospital after being slashed with a homemade knife in Portlaoise prison yesterday evening.

The officer was cut with a shiv after intervening in an attack on the C2 landing at around 7.05pm.

It’s reported that the officer was slashed across the hands and lower arms, however a spokesperson for the Irish Prison Service said the officer received a “deep cut on his finger”.

Deputy General Secretary of the Prison Officers Association Jim Mitchell told TheJournal.ie that the “quick and brave actions” of the officer saved the life of the intended target.

It’s understood that the attacker accused the target of robbing his wheelchair bound mother by holding a screwdriver to her throat.

Read: Footage shows brutal attack on inmate in Mountjoy Prison>

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Officer hospitalised with knife wounds after intervening in prison attack

Read: Footage shows brutal attack on inmate in Mountjoy Prison>

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.