Two prisoners - a 40-year-old Port Macquarie man and an 18-year-old Bankstown man - were placed into a cell as roommates for the first time. As usual, the section was placed into locked down about 3.30pm.

Police believe an argument over religious beliefs resulted in the 18-year-old carving letters into the front and rear of the older head before pouring hot water through a towel placed onto the victim's face.

The 18-year-old then contacted service officers who removed both inmates.

Inspector Mick Aldridge said the 40-year-old man suffered significant wounds to his head, neck and face along with a broken sternum.

He was taken to Port Macquarie Base Hospital and placed in an induced coma on Thursday night.

Police said they will be attending the Mid North Coast Correctional Centre where appropriate charges will be made against the 18-year-old.

A Corrective Services spokesperson confirmed “an inmate is in hospital after allegedly being assaulted at Mid North Coast Correctional Centre yesterday (April 7).”

“About 4.30pm, an offender called for staff to attend his cell saying he was concerned about the welfare of his cellmate. 

“Staff immediately provided first aid to the injured man and paramedics were called.  He was taken to hospital.

”NSW Police were notified and one man is currently in segregation pending further enquiries.”