TWO women were have been arrested on suspicion of passing suspected illegal drugs to inmates at HMP Erlestoke.

On Sunday morning, police were called after prison officers found a prisoner in possession of a prohibited item.

Enquiries were carried out, including analysis of CCTV from the prison, and two women from Hampshire were detained.

The two women, aged 21 and 26, were arrested on suspicion of bringing/throwing/conveying a list A prohibited article into/out of a prison.

Both have been released under investigation while police enquiries continue.

Acting Inspector Pete Foster said: “We have a close relationship with our colleagues at HMP Erlestoke.

"This was an excellent result of partnership working – as a result of the vigilance of staff at the prison, we were able to arrest these two individuals and seize the prohibited items.

“This type of behaviour is completely unacceptable and we will continue to work alongside the prison to help disrupt those who are intent on passing prohibited items to inmates.”