Triple killer Anthony Russell is believed to be the prisoner detained after Ian Huntley died following a prison attack at HMP FranklandBenedict Tetzlaff-Deas News Reporter and Lee Grimsditch Nostalgia Writer
16:35, 07 Mar 2026Updated 16:49, 07 Mar 2026
Anthony Russell, 43, is suspected of the attack on Ian Huntley
Triple killer Anthony Russell is believed to be the prisoner suspected of inflicting fatal injuries on Ian Huntley during a prison assault. Ian Huntley died in hospital this morning after sustaining severe brain trauma in the alleged attack by murderer and rapist Anthony Russell, 43, at HMP Frankland, Durham, on February 26.
Durham Constabulary has not named the suspect, but confirmed on the day of the incident that a man in his mid-40s had been detained.
In a statement today, police said: “A man who was attacked at HMP Frankland in Durham last week has died in hospital this morning. Ian Huntley, 52, was taken to hospital with serious injuries following an incident in the workshop on the morning of Thursday, February 26.
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“A police investigation into the circumstances of the incident is ongoing. A file is being prepared for the Crown Prosecution Service for consideration for charges.”, reports the Mirror.
Russell was imprisoned in 2022 after killing three people during a “sustained and brutal” seven-day killing spree, including his friend David Williams and his mum.
Here’s a timeline of his crimes:.
Soham Killer Ian Huntley leaves Wakefield Prison in September 2006
Murdered friend after becoming convinced partner was cheating on him
On October 21, 2020, Russell murdered his friend David Williams after wrongly believing he was in a relationship with his girlfriend.
He strangled him with a lanyard, before leaving the body under his bed in his flat in Coventry. Mr Williams was discovered five days later, and found to have suffered 87 injuries.
David Williams was Russell’s first victim(Image: SWNS)
Killed victim’s mum ‘to stop her speaking to police’
Russell then strangled Mr Williams’ 58-year-old mother, Julie Williams, on October 26 in a horrific attack at her home which saw him inflict 113 separate injuries.
After her sister reported her missing, police forced entry into Julie’s home and found her dead on the living room floor.
Det Supt Shaun Edwards said after Russell’s sentencing that it is believed he had “confessed to David’s killing” to her, and that he “killed Julie to stop her from speaking to the police”.
Anthony Russell reportedly attacked Ian Huntley at HMP Frankland(Image: West Midlands Police)
Went on the run, robbing phone from elderly man
Russell fled Coventry the day after killing Mrs Williams, taking cash and a mobile phone he had robbed from a 78-year-old man.
He used public transport to travel to the town of Kenilworth, Warwickshire, where he robbed a 71-year-old woman of £200, violently dragging her along the ground during the attack.
Raped and murdered woman in woods
Russelll raped and killed his final victim, 31-year-old Nicole McGregor on October 26, a few hours after arriving in Leamington Spa.
She was found in woodland at Newbold Comyn three days later with wood and twigs in her mouth. She suffered multiple blunt force injuries to her head and face, a bleed to the brain, and her body showed signs of strangulation.
Nicole McGregor, 31, was raped and murdered after being lured into a woods by Russell(Image: SWNS)
Police said there was no known link between Russell and his victim, and she is believed to have been lured to the woods after being promised drugs.
On October 28, Russell attacked a 75-year-old man in his home after asking him for directions, before stealing his Ford C-Max to flee the area.
He was arrested on October 30 after police spotted the stolen Ford C-Max parked on a road near Burton-upon-Trent, Staffordshire. Russell was found on the back seat.
‘Exceptionally dangerous’ murderer jailed
Russell pleaded guilty to three counts of murder and three counts of robbery, before unanimously being found guilty of the rape of Nicole McGregor by a jury at Warwick Crown Court in March 2022.
During his sentencing, judge Mr Justice Wall described Russell as an “exceptionally dangerous” and manipulative man, adding: “I have no doubt that this is a case which falls fairly and squarely within the description of being exceptionally serious. There were three murders – each was separated in time and location. Each was the result of a separate murderous act which was sustained and brutal. Each involved the use of very significant violence.”
He was handed a whole-life order, meaning he will spend the rest of his life in prison with no eligibility for parole.