GUN DRONE ALERT ROCKS PRISON
A MAJOR security operation was launched at a jail after a tip-off that a gun was to be smuggled in by drone.
Governors at Liverpool prison alerted police following the call and staff reported two sightings of a four-engined drone.
The male caller told staff a handgun was on the way to a named prisoner being held at the Category B prison.
Guards then saw a drone hovering at 11pm on April 15 and again 90 minutes later. A source said: “The anonymous tip-off gave detailed information. The man said a handgun would be delivered to a named inmate via a drone.
“Then a drone – or perhaps two – appeared at the designated time and a security operation was launched. So far, a gun has not been found.”
Merseyside police spent four hours at the jail, which has 1,300 inmates. The officers joined staff in checking JOE HINTON the perimeter of the Victorian building. One inmate was moved to the Care and Separation Unit. A second search, which involved sniffer dogs, was conducted later but nothing was found.
Glyn Travis, of the Prison Officers Association, said: “The big fear is that drones will bring in weapons.
“This sort of incident highlights how important it is to have enough staff to deter smuggling.
“Any sort of weapon, particularly a gun, could cause carnage behind bars. We need more officers and for them to be paid a living wage.”