A PRISON custody officer who was assaulted as she escorted a prisoner from a hearing at London’s Blackfriars Crown Court to a waiting van has died.

Serco employee Lorraine Barwell was treated at the scene before being taken to hospital by air ambulance, but Scotland Yard confirmed yesterday she had passed away.

Her death was “a sad reminder of the danger that prison staff put themselves in on a daily basis to protect the public,” said shadow justice minister Jenny Chapman.

“Serious attacks on prison officers have been rising year on year. We need an urgent review of the safety at work of prison staff.”

A statement by the Prison Officers Association (POA) said: “Although she was not a member of the POA, this unspeakable crime should serve to remind the public and politicians of the violent and unpredictable nature of the criminal justice workplace.”