Two arrested for attempted assault on prison officer with hammer

Maldives Police Service have arrested two suspects believed to have attempted assault a prison officer with a hammer.

The suspects attempted to attack the officer while they were traveling on a motorbike, on June 11.

Police arrested Ahmed Iyaz, 24 (Mirihimaage, R. Inguraidhoo) and Ahmed Rabeeu, 26 (Guleynoorammaage, GA. Maamendhoo).

Police had reviewed CCTV footage of the incident area, and discovered two individuals surveilling the officers leaving Hulhumale' Prison. The suspects were on a motorbike and work helmets, police added.

Investigation into the case also revealed the two suspects outside the prison had attempted the attack when the officer left the premises.

Police said Iyaz was arrested from Haa Alifu atoll Baarah, where he absconded to following the incident, on June 14th under a court order.

The other suspect, Rabeeu was arrested from a Male' City guesthouse on June 20th.

Both have been remanded in custody pending verdict.

Previously, Hulhumale' Prison said the suspects tried to attack the officer when they were en route to Hulhumale' Phase II after leaving the prison building.

The officer was not hit from the attempt by the two suspects, Hulhumale' Prison confirmed.

Police has been investigating the case as a serious crime.