Hyde teen arrested after drone seen near Wymott Prison

The 18-year-old is being questioned on suspicion of drugs offences

Author: Adam FawcettPublished 21st Aug 2024

Two men have been arrested after a drone was seen acting suspiciously around Wymott Prison in Leyland.

Lancashire Police say they were called to the area in the early hours of yesterday, after reports that a vehicle was spotted acting suspiciously.

After a pursuit, the vehicle overturned, with two men inside running away.

Inside the car a drone and what is thought to be Class A drugs were found.

A 26 year old man from Leeds has been arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a Class A drug and dangerous driving, whilst a 18 year old man from Hyde, Greater Manchester is being questioned on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a Class A drug.

In an update, Lancashire Police said: "We have arrested two men following reports of a drone flying close to Wymott Prison in Leyland.

"We were called at around 12.25am this morning (Tuesday, 20th August, 2024) after reports the device was seen to fly close to the walls of the prison.

"Officers have deployed to the area and noticed a suspicious vehicle which has driven away from the scene at speed.

"Following a short pursuit, the vehicle was involved in a collision and flipped onto its roof before the two men inside ran away. A search of the car found a drone, a large quantity of what is believed to be Class A drugs and mobile phones.

"With support from LFRS Drone team and PD Buzz, one man was located hiding underneath a nearby caravan and arrested. A second man was found hiding under a truck and was also arrested."

It's illegal to fly drones within 400 metres of a closed prison, with those convicted facing fines of up to £2,500.

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