THREE men have been charged after a police investigation into a group trying to smuggle drugs into Risley Prison using a drone on Wednesday night.

Two men, aged 17 and 18, were arrested at the scene and a further two men, aged 31 and 41, were arrested a short time later near to the M62 in Birchwood.

The drone and a quantity of drugs were recovered at the scene after officers were deployed at 11.20pm.

The four men were taken into custody to be quizzed by detectives on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class B drugs.

It is understood only three of the suspects have been charged.

An 18-year-old man from Kirkby has been released under investigation pending further enquires.

All three suspects are expected to appear at Warrington Magistrates' Court today, Friday.

Chf Insp Sarah Pengelly, from Warrington Local Policing Unit, said: “I hope that these arrests send a clear message that the supply of drugs has consequences.

“We are committed to tackling drug crime and I urge anyone with any information about suspected drug related activity in their communities to get in touch.”

Anyone with information can call Cheshire Police on 101 citing incident number 1148 of June 14.