Man arrested and drone seized near HMP Liverpool

A man was arrested after staff at HMP Liverpool reported seeing a drone entering the grounds of the prison in the early hours of today (Tuesday 10 May).

At around 2am, staff reported seeing the drone and officers were deployed to search the area.

A man was seen on Rice Lane recreational park carrying a drone radio controller, and a drone in a rucksack. The man was detained and after a search, a quantity of cannabis was seized.

Following a search of an address, a Taser torch was also recovered.

A 31-year-old man from Tuebrook was arrested on suspicion of conveying a prohibited article into a prison and possession of a prohibited firearm.

Detective Inspector Gavin Mulcahy said: "Officers acted swiftly on information provided by prison staff to intercept a suspect and seize a drone during this incident.

“Merseyside Police will continue to seek proactive ways to combat the illegal use of drones through technology and information from communities.

“We continue to work in partnership with HM Prison Service to keep the prison community and those in the wider community of Merseyside safe, and urge anyone with information on those operating drones in this way to contact police."

If you see a drone you suspect is being used to transport contraband into a prison in Merseyside please call 999. If you have information on anyone who owns a drone for this purpose, DM @MerPolCC or call @CrimestoppersUK on 0800 555 111.