A PRISON officer needed hospital treatment after he was 'stabbed in the head' by an inmate.

The 'serious assault' happened at HMP Bullingdon near Bicester yesterday morning, according to the Prison Service.

The officer received stitches and is understood to have returned home from hospital, but he may need further treatment.

Read again: Bullingdon prisoner fought with guard in mobile phone row

Only one inmate was involved and the type of weapon used is unknown, with descriptions ranging from a screwdriver to a blade, according to the BBC.

The police have been informed.

A Prison Service spokeswoman said: "A prison officer was injured in a serious assault at HMP Bullingdon on Tuesday morning.

"We do not tolerate violence against our hard working staff - the incident has been referred to the police and we will push for the strongest possible punishment, which could lead to the perpetrator spending more time behind bars."

The attack happened on the same day that Oxfordshire's head coroner said he would tell the prison to review its safety after an inmate killed himself.

Read again: Oxfordshire coroner says prison must make changes

Speaking at yesterday's inquest into the death of paedophile Daniel Davey, Darren Salter pledged to send an official letter to the prison and care providers asking them to put measures in place to prevent similar incidents in the future. 

In 2017, a report by the prisons watchdog found violence, drugs and gang problems were rife at the jail.