Child killer Ian Huntley is reportedly the target of a deadly race by prison gangs to be the first to murder him.Bets have been placed at Wakefield Prison on which of the two outfits will claim the life of the Soham murderer.Guards have been placed on “extra high alert” at the facility after plans of the rumoured attack leaked out.

It is understood the inmates want to first disfigure Huntley by throwing boiling water over him before killing the 30-year-old.

A source at the prison told the Daily Mirror: “The threat against him is specific.

“It’s been passed on by one of the jail snouts who pass on information to the authorities in return for favours.

“They’ve been told someone is out to get Huntley. He’ll be got at sooner or later – I’d be surprised if he’s still alive in a year.”

Staff at Wakefield have been told by bosses to make sure they prevent a repeat of the suicide of killer doctor Harold Shipman, found dead in his cell in January.

Huntley became one of the most reviled figures in the country after being convicted for the murders of 10-year-old pals Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman.

His ex-girlfriend Maxine Carr – jailed for lying to police – has been given protection from the public glare over fears for her safety following release from prison.