B.C. serial killer Robert Pickton hospitalized after prison attack

British Columbia serial killer Robert Pickton was attacked in a Quebec prison Sunday in what officials described as a "major assault."

British Columbia serial killer Robert Pickton was attacked in a Quebec prison Sunday in what officials described as a "major assault."

The Correctional Service of Canada says Pickton was transported from the Port-Cartier Institution to hospital for treatment, but the agency declined to specify the nature or severity of his injuries.

"The assailant has been identified and the appropriate actions have been taken," the correctional service said, noting the assault did not involve any staff at the maximum-security institution.

"We are not able to disclose any additional details, including medical information," the agency added in a statement to CTV News.

"The safety and security of institutions is paramount and an investigation into what occurred is currently underway."

The Sûreté du Québec is also investigating the assault.

Pickton was convicted on six counts of second-degree murder in the deaths of women who disappeared from Vancouver's Downtown Eastside.