Lancashire Police arrest man after drone spotted flying into HMP Wymott in Leyland

A man was arrested after a drone was spotted flying over prison walls with a suspicious package in Leyland.

Police were called to HMP Wymott in Ulnes Walton near Leyland after the drone was seen hovering over prison grounds on Friday.

Officers arrested a 45-year-old man and seized a drone, mobile phone and small packages of white power found nearby.

He was arrested on suspicion of attempting to convey articles into a prison and flying a drone within 400 metres of restricted airspace.

Lancashire Police said an investigation is ongoing.

Wymott is a Category C men's prison near Leyland for convicted sex offenders, as well as inmates sentenced for mainstream offences.

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A spokesperson for the force said: "We have arrested a man following reports of a drone flying close to Wymott Prison in Leyland.

"We were called at around 4.20pm on Friday, March 15 after reports the device was seen to fly over one of the walls of the prison.

"Officers attended the scene and arrested a man.

"A drone, mobile phone and white powder in small packages were found nearby.

"A 45-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempting to convey articles into a prison and flying a drone within 400 metres of restricted airspace.

"He has since been released on bail whilst investigations continue."

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What if you fly a drone too close to a prison?

"It is an offence to fly drones within 400 metres of a closed prison or young offender institution," explained Lancashire Police.

"Drone operators breaking the rules could face fines of up to £2,500 while those found smuggling illicit items face up to 10 years in prison.

"We will continue to work closely with the Prison Service and positive action will be taken against those breaking the law.

"If you have any information about drones in the ‘no fly zone’, call 101. If you see one, dial 999."