Three people have been arrested after a package was discovered caught in the wire of the wall around Erlestoke Prison.

Police were alerted by staff at the prison shortly before 4am today after an alarm was activated and two men were seen on CCTV near the perimeter fence.

A suspicious vehicle was spotted in the area by police and stopped in Devizes around 15 minutes later.

Officers at the prison then confirmed that a taped-up package had been located in the wire, so the three people in the car were arrested.

The car was also searched and we seized a knife and a quantity of what is believed to be cannabis.

A 34-year-old man from Gwent was arrested on suspicion of throwing a prohibited article into a prison and possession of a bladed article.

A 28-year-old man from Cheltenham was arrested on suspicion of throwing a prohibited article into a prison and possession of cannabis.

A 20-year-old man from Cheltenham was arrested on suspicion of throwing a prohibited article into a prison.

All three are currently in custody at Melksham Police Station.

Community Co-ordinator PC Beth Butwell, from Wiltshire East Community Policing Team, said: "These arrests are a fantastic example of the strong working relationship we have with HMP Erlestoke.

"Thanks to them raising the alarm, our Community Policing Team officers, with assistance from Tri-Force officers, were able to act swiftly and stop this vehicle in Devizes."