London - One of Britain's most notorious murderers is suing prison authorities for failing to protect him after his throat was slashed by another inmate.

Ian Huntley is serving life for killing 10-year-old Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman in the village of Soham, southern England, in 2002.

Huntley, who worked as a caretaker at the victims' school, was attacked in March by a fellow prisoner.

The Ministry of Justice confirmed Huntley's claim on Saturday and said it would be "vigorously defended".

Earlier this year, then-Justice Secretary Jack Straw said the government had "absolutely no intention" of paying compensation to Huntley.

Huntley has tried to commit suicide several times in prison. In 2005, he was attacked by an inmate who threw boiling water on him. - Sapa-AP