Three men arrested on suspicion of trying to throw banned items into HMP Highpoint, in Stradishall, after countryside manhunt

Three men were arrested on suspicion of trying to throw banned items into a prison after a countryside manhunt.

Haverhill Police were called to HMP Highpoint, in Stradishall, on Sunday after reports the individuals were attempting to covertly throw the items over its barriers.

The local beat officers attended and apprehended one of the trio straight away along with the vehicle they had arrived in.

The other two were then detained following the search, which was assisted by officers from Bury St Edmunds as well as the Police Dog Unit.

Police dog Thor and his handler were particularly commended for their efforts in finding the criminals.

The force said without the duo, the two men would likely have been able to hide in the extensive surrounding countryside and fled from police.

Three people were arrested on suspicion of conveying prohibited articles into a prison, while a large amount of drugs were also seized.

Detectives will now undertake a series of inquiries, including downloads from recovered mobile phones, before presenting evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service.

The Ministry of Justice was approached for comment but said it could not comment on live proceedings.