A jailed terrorist who plotted to behead a soldier in south east London allegedly launched an attack on prison staff, hospitalising five officers.

Brusthom Ziamani, 24, was jailed for 22 years in 2015 after police discovered his plans to attack Army cadet bases, inspired by the Woolwich murder of Fusilier Lee Rigby.

On Thursday, Ziamani allegedly stabbed an officer at HMP Whitemoor in Cambridgeshire with another prisoner, injuring four others who rushed to help. 

Both inmates were reportedly wielding bladed weapons and wearing fake suicide vests.

The male officer suffered injuries to his face; they are not deemed life-threatening.

The incident is being investigated by counter-terrorism officers and no arrests have been made, the Met Police said

A spokesman for the prison said: "Five members of staff at HMP Whitemoor attended hospital following a serious assault on an officer by two prisoners on January 9.

"The incident was quickly resolved by our brave staff and our thoughts are with the injured officers at this time.

"We do not tolerate assaults on our hardworking officers and will push for the strongest possible punishment.

"We have referred the incident to the police and it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time."

Ziamani was arrested in an east London street carrying a 12in (30.5cm) knife and a hammer in a rucksack, having earlier researched the location of Army cadet bases in the south east London.

Earlier, he had shown his ex-girlfriend weapons, described Fusilier Rigby's killer Michael Adebolajo as a "legend" and told her he would "kill soldiers".

He was a "lone wolf" who had been radicalised after being befriended by members of a radical Muslim organisation which held meetings and demonstrations in London.

His 22 year sentence was subsequently reduced on appeal.