Two prison officers needed medical treatment after being attacked in Cork Prison yesterday.
The officers were working together in the prison yesterday morning when a prisoner attempted to assault them.
The officers had been assigned to take the prisoners to their various activities when the incident took place at approximately 10am. A second prisoner then joined in the attack.
The prison officers were saved from serious injury when their colleagues intervened.
A spokesman for the Prison Officers Association (POA), Gerry Wilson, said both officers received medical treatment after the incident. Neither returned to work afterwards and are today on sick leave.
It is understood the two prisoners involved are from Limerick.