An attempt to smuggle drugs into a Wiltshire prison was weeded out - when the parcel of cannabis became snared in barbed wire.

Three people suspected of having tried to smuggle the drugs into Erlestoke Prison have been arrested.

Police were called to the Wiltshire jail shortly before 4am on Monday after an alarm was activated. Two men were seen near the perimeter fence.

Officers stopped a vehicle in Devizes, around six miles from the prison, 15 minutes after the emergency call. Police searching the car found cannabis and a knife.

The trio, aged 34, 28 and 20, were arrested on suspicion of throwing a prohibited article into a prison.

The 34-year-old, from Gwent, was also arrested on knife charges and the Cheltenham man, 28, for possession of cannabis.

PC Beth Butwell 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."