A drone suspected to be flying drugs into a prison in Leyland triggered a high-speed chase through the streets of South Ribble that ended with the vehicle on its roof.

Police were called yesterday morning (20 August) at around 12.25am to reports of a drone flying close to HMP Wymott. Police attended and a vehicle fled the scene at speed.

A short chase began but was ended when the car flipped onto its roof with two men inside fleeing the scene.

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A drone and police dogs was used to find the men hiding under a caravan and a truck respectively. They were arrested.

A search of the vehicle that had flipped found a drone, a quantity of Class A drugs and mobile phones.

A 26-year-old man from Leeds is under arrest on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a Class A drug and dangerous driving. An 18-year-old man from Hyde, Greater Manchester is under arrest on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a Class A drug. Both are currently in custody waiting to be questioned.

A spokesperson for police said: “It is an offence to fly drones within 400 metres of a closed prison or young offender institution. 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.”

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