Rudakubana was in his cell at HMP Belmarsh at the time and allegedly heated the water up using a kettle in the room, Sky News understands.

He then threw the boiling water at the officer, who was standing outside the cell, through a hatch in his door, it is claimed.

The member of prison staff was taken to hospital as a precaution but only suffered minor injuries.

Rudakubana is serving life in jail for murdering Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport last year.

Sky News understands the prison officer was discharged from hospital later the same day. They are expected to return to work at the prison, located in southeast London, next week.

Cell door hatches are used to pass medication to prisoners and most of them have kettles in their cells, Sky News understands.

Two-phase public inquiry into Southport murders launched
Mum of Southport victim praises local community

A source said Rudakubana was being held in the prison’s healthcare unit at the time in a state of near-isolation.

A Prison Service spokesperson said: “Police are investigating an attack on a prison officer at HMP Belmarsh yesterday.

“Violence in prison will not be tolerated and we will always push for the strongest possible punishment for attacks on our hardworking staff

.”#attack on a #prison officer by #Southport triple killer #Axel Rudakubana #on Thursday.