A DRONE has been used to try and fly packages into Erlestoke Prison, and police later arrested a man on suspicion of attempting to smuggle a category A article inside.

The 30-year-old man from Southampton is currently in custody in Melksham for further questioning.

A police spokesman said: "Shortly after 8.20pm last night, we were called to the prison. Staff had detained a man in a wooded area nearby after they spotted a drone being used to try and drop packages inside the prison fence.

"Officers attended the scene, along with Police Dog Lorrie who helped locate the drone and packages."

Det Sgt Neil Le’Maire said: “This was excellent teamwork by local neighbourhood officers, the dog unit and prison staff who detained the man initially.

“Detectives from CID will now continue with the investigation.

“We have a really good working relationship with HMP Erlestoke and I would like to thank them for initially raising the alarm which enabled us to act swiftly, seize items of interest and arrest one man.

“Local officers do regularly patrol the area but we would continue to urge members of the public who see or hear suspicious activity around the prison boundary, to report it on 101 or 999 if a crime is in progress.”

Anyone with information should call 101 and quote crime reference number 54200034195.