Three prison officers are awaiting the results of HIV tests after being bitten by a convicted rapist in Midlands Prison, Portlaoise.

The incident occurred when the prisoner, originally from Zimbabwe, was told he was not due medication he requested.

It is reported in the Irish Independent that he then became aggressive and bit three officers.

One officer was bitten through to the bone on his forearm while a second officer was bitten on the hand, breaking one of his fingers.

A third officer was also bitten, but it is not certain if the skin was broken in this case.

All three officers were brought to hospital last night for medical treatment and an investigation has been launched by the Gardaí.

The prisoner has been in jail for four years after being sentenced to seven years in prison for raping a middle-aged woman at her home.