A GREENOCK petrol bomber jailed last year over a series of murderous fire attacks in the town has been stabbed in the neck in a targeted attack in prison, sources have told the Telegraph.

Craig McFarlane - who led a street gang in the attempted killings of seven people, including a six-year-old child - had to be rushed to hospital for emergency treatment following an incident at Perth Prison.

Jail insiders say that the 27-year-old was attacked in the dining hall over an apparent row over a piece of TURKEY.

One source told the Telegraph: "McFarlane was slashed in the throat. It turns out it was over an argument about a bit of turkey at the dinner table.

“The attacker nicked his jugular, however, I’m not sure how seriously he was hurt, but he definitely got it in the throat or neck.”

The source added: “It was during dinner so I’m sure the guy [attacker] would’ve got done with it.

“I haven’t heard anything about him [McFarlane] being on protection since it happened, although he could be.

“When he was in Greenock Prison he was informed that he was being moved to Low Moss and he flipped out shouting he couldn't go there as he’s got a target on his back.

"Eventually they moved him to Perth where he felt a bit safer.

“But obviously he isn’t that safe."

READ MORE: 'Gangster' behind Greenock firebombing spree 'dealing drugs in prison'

McFarlane, alongside ringleader Robert Warnock, also 27, and four others, was jailed last year in connection with a spree of targeted firebomb attacks which took place in 2020.

He is currently serving a 15-year sentences for his role in what was described by High Court judge Lord Mulholland as an attempt to turn Greenock into a 'warzone'.

The attack on McFarlane at Perth Prison is the second time he has been targeted, having been slashed at Greenock whilst awaiting trial.

The High Court in Glasgow heard last year how he and Warnock, along with 'footsoldiers' Kieran McAnally, Brendan O'Donnell, Cain Carr and Drew Darling wreaked terror in the town.

During the trial it emerged that McFarlane quipped about the death of petrol bomber George Miller, who torched himself to death in a botched attack after being plied with drugs.

In a text message exchange between McFarlane and another man, Miller was referred to as having made a 'James Burnt of it'.

He also stated that Miller was 'pan breed'.

Former Greenock prosecutor Lord Mulholland said that Warnock and McFarlane 'fully intended' to continue their campaign, and would have done so, were they not thwarted by the 'fine work of Police Scotland'.

Lord Mulholland said: "The danger you posed is emphasised by the tragic death of George Miller who was engulfed in burning petrol and who burned to death.

"You Robert Warnock and Craig McFarlane plied him with drugs and it is clear from the CCTV footage that he was not in a fit state.

"You referred to him as a 'junkie', which said it all about how you perceived him.

"He was collateral damage to both of you."

When approached by the Telegraph for comment on the attack on Mr McFarlane, a Scottish Prison Service spokesperson said: “We do not comment on individuals.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “About 3.30pm on Tuesday, 5 December, 2023, we were called to a report of a man having been injured within HMP Perth.  Officers attended and a 27-year-old man was taken to Ninewells Hospital for treatment.

 “A 47-year-old man has been reported to the Procurator Fiscal in connection with the incident."