Dog sniffs out alleged drone-smuggling prison plot

Police dog Ike used the scent from a drone remote control to sniff out a man in a bush

A police dog sniffed out an alleged drug smuggler hiding in a bush after a drone was spotted in a Liverpool prison.

Merseyside Police's dog unit were called to HMP Liverpool in Walton after reports the drone was trying to land in a courtyard before flying towards a nearby field.

Police Dog Ike and his handlers found the drone and a remote control on land between Stuart Road and Maguire Road in the early hours of Monday.

The force said Ike then used the scent to track down a man, suspected of being the drone operator, hiding in a bush.

The drone was spotted flying over HMP Liverpool

A package attached to the drone was found to contain cannabis resin, tobacco, mobile phone notes, drill bits and sim cards, Merseyside Police said.

A 34-year-old man, of no fixed address, was arrested on suspicion of conveying a prohibited article into a prison, possession of a prohibited firearm and possession of cocaine and cannabis with intent to supply.

Chief Inspector Jordan Quinn said: "Aided by the sterling work and attentive nose of PD Ike, our officers acted swiftly on information provided by prison staff to intercept the suspect and seize a drone.

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