Ian Huntley, the notorious Soham killer, has been refusing to eat prison food due to his fears of being poisoned by other inmates. His paranoia increased following a serious incident where he was brutally attacked and left fighting for his life in the hospital after being struck in the head with a metal bar by another inmate. This attack occurred within the confines of HMP Frankland, where Huntley was working as a cleaner at the time and is now in a serious condition.

The alleged attacker, speculated to be Anthony Russell, a triple killer, has not been officially confirmed by police or prison authorities. Huntley has a history of violence against him while incarcerated, including a previous suicide attempt in 2005 during his time at HMP Wakefield. His mental state appears to have deteriorated, exacerbating his fears of being targeted again by fellow prisoners, leading to his refusal of official meals and reliance on an unconventional diet of snack foods like Wotsits.

This situation highlights the ongoing struggles within the UK prison system regarding inmate safety and mental health. Huntley's extreme caution regarding food safety not only underlines his fear for survival but also calls into question the support systems available within the prison environment for inmates with a history of severe psychological distress. As the case develops, the implications for prison policy and inmate welfare practices in the UK may come under scrutiny.