The 52-year-old monster is on life support after he was battered with a spiked metal pole at HMP Frankland, Co Durham, last week.

Ian Huntley, wrapped in a blanket, being wheeled out of a hospital.
Soham killer Ian Huntley is in an induced coma and not expected to regain consciousness following last week’s brutal attack with a spiked metal poleCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
 

Lynda Huntley in a beige jacket.
We told last Saturday how Huntley’s mum Lynda Richards, 71, had made a dash to hospital to see himCredit: NB PRESS LTD
 

Mugshot of Anthony Russell, a man with short brown hair, stubble, and a tattoo on his neck.
Triple killer and rapist Anthony Russell, 43, is suspected of carrying out the beatingCredit: West Midlands Police
He is understood to have been declared blind after being struck in the eyes and suffering brain trauma.

Huntley, serving at least 40 years for killing ten-year-olds Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman in 2002, is not expected to regain consciousness.

Our source said: “It is now looking like he will not pull through, barring a miracle.

“Huntley never recovered from the battering and never stood much of a chance of doing so.

Seriously ill Ian Huntley ‘still in bad way’ 3 days after jail attack

“His condition has not really improved since day one despite the best efforts of doctors.

“It looks like it’s only a matter of time.

“It could be days, it could be weeks.

“It is probably for the best.

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“Few people will shed a tear.”

The double killer has been on a ventilator since the assault at HMP Frankland, Co Durham, last Thursday.

We told how he was bludgeoned up to 15 times with the pole, with his attacker boasting: “I’ve done it! I’ve done it! I’ve killed him, I’ve killed him!”

Sources also said Huntley’s head was “split in two” after the frenzied ambush – and that the damage was so bad he was “completely unrecognisable” while he was in hospital.

Triple killer and rapist Anthony Russell, 43, is suspected of carrying out the beating in a prison workshop.

Huntley has not responded to treatment and doctors are said to be weighing up switching off his ventilator after consulting with his relatives

Our source added: “The medics have worked wonders in keeping him alive so long and have to treat every patient the same.

“But they are monitoring him really closely and he is not responding well or showing signs of recovery.

“They have been doing brain stem tests and they don’t look good for Huntley.

Jessica Chapman (left) and Holly Wells (right) smiling while holding onto red ropes.
Monster Huntley killed ten-year-olds Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman in 2002Credit: Rex
“And if, by some miracle, he does survive he is likely to be blind and there won’t be much of him left.

“He got hit in the eyes with the pole and has also suffered brain trauma which would affect his vision.

“His head injuries are so bad you would not be able to identify him in the hospital.”

Insiders revealed there was a “change in circumstance” with Huntley on Tuesday following a deterioration in his health.

This led to some of the police officers guarding him being stood down.

We told last Saturday how Huntley’s mum Lynda Richards, 71, had travelled 175 miles from her Lincolnshire home to be at his bedside.

She told friends her killer son was unrecognisable after the savage attack.

Medics initially gave Huntley a five per cent chance of survival.

The former school caretaker is serving at least 40 years for Holly and Jessica’s murders.

They had vanished after leaving a family barbecue in the Cambridgeshire town in 2002.

Huntley’s tariff means he cannot be eligible for parole until 2042.

He has been targeted several times in prison previously.

File photo of Ian Huntley.
Huntley has not responded to treatment and doctors are said to be weighing up switching off his ventilatorCredit: PA:Press Association
 

Aerial view of HMP Frankland prison with buildings surrounded by fences and green fields.
The assault took place at HMP Frankland in County DurhamCredit: Paramount Plus
In 2010 he needed 21 stitches after having his throat slit by robber Damien Fowkes.

In 2006 Huntley needed hospital treatment after a suicide attempt at Wakefield prison.

Police have a suspect for the latest attack but are yet to make an arrest.

Durham Constabulary said: “A 52-year-old man remains in hospital in a serious condition.”

Last night a Prison Service spokesperson said: “It would be inappropriate to comment while police investigate.”