Three inmates have been charged over a serious assault at Auckland Prison which left another prisoner with critical injuries.

The three men, aged 27, 29 and 42, were jointly charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

The assault happened on August 19 and resulted in a prisoner at maximum-security Auckland Prison, Paremoremo being rushed to hospital in a critical condition.

“The victim in this assault has sustained significant injuries and remains in hospital,” said acting Detective Inspector Simon Harrison.

A Hato Hone St John spokesperson said an ambulance, rapid response unit and an operations manager was sent to the prison just after 9.46am on the day of the assault.

Soon after the attack Stephen Parr, the prison’s general manager, told the Herald three prisoners had been secured and would be placed on directed segregation.

Staff also gave the victim of the assault first aid.

He said that Corrections would conduct a review into the incident and all the evidence would be handed over to police.

“Anyone who resorts to this behaviour will be held to account,” Parr said.

“We are constantly working to ensure our prisons provide the safest environment possible for staff and prisoners. Auckland Prison is New Zealand’s only specialist maximum-security facility, and accommodates the country’s most dangerous and volatile prisoners.

“Our staff manage some of New Zealand’s most dangerous people in a complex and challenging environment.

“Over 80% of the prison population have convictions for violence in their offending histories, and more than 90% have had a lifetime diagnosis of a mental health or substance abuse disorder.”

The men charged in this incident were due to appear in the North Shore District Court on September 16.