Ian Huntley killed in prison attack by fellow inmate Anthony Russell

Ian Huntley, the man convicted of murdering 10-year-olds Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman in 2002, has been beaten to death in prison. The attack took place at HMP Frankland, where he had been serving a life sentence since his transfer in 2008. A fellow inmate, triple killer and rapist Anthony Russell, has now been charged with his murder.

Huntley was attacked with a metal pole while in custody. His death follows years of reported targeting by other inmates during his imprisonment. Authorities will hold an inquest to determine the full circumstances of the killing and confirm a date for the proceedings.

The prison service typically covers funeral costs of up to £3,000 for inmates who die in custody. However, Huntley's family refused a state-funded burial, stating they wished to show respect for his victims. His ashes will instead be handed to his relatives, with no service or memorial planned. Reports suggest one of his daughters proposed scattering his ashes by flushing them down the toilet. A public petition against a taxpayer-funded funeral for Huntley gathered over 100,000 signatures. The campaign, hosted on Petitionen24.com, gained widespread support before his family's decision was announced.

Huntley's death brings an end to his life sentence for the murders of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman. The case will now proceed to an inquest, while Anthony Russell faces legal proceedings for the killing. No public ceremony will mark Huntley's death, following his family's refusal of a state-funded funeral.