RCMP are investigating an assault by an inmate on a correctional officer at Stony Mountain Institution on Wednesday night, April 15, 2020.

Police were called to the prison just north of Winnipeg around 6:30 pm after the guard had been assaulted with a weapon.

According to the Union of Canadian Correctional Officers the guard was asking the inmate to return to his cell when he was suddenly attacked with a homemade knife. The union says the guard was allegedly slashed across his neck.

The correctional officer was airlifted to hospital by STARS Air Ambulance, treated and released.

Police worked with Stony Mountain staff to secure the scene. According to the Correctional Service of Canada the attack took place in the structured intervention unit at Stony Mountain Institution.

Investigators say that a suspect has been identified but due to the ongoing investigation no other details are being released at this time.

RCMP Major Crimes unit is conducting the investigation

© News4.ca 2020