Four men have been arrested after being caught trying to break into a prison.
Police were called to reports of a group of men 'acting suspiciously' and trying to get inside the grounds of HMP Hindley, in Wigan, at 9.50pm on Tuesday evening.
After officers arrived, the group fled on foot.
A police helicopter was called in as a search was launched of the surrounding area.
Four men were eventually arrested – aged 49, 45, 32 and 26 – on suspicion of criminal damage and conspiracy to supply controlled drugs.
They remain in custody for questioning.
Officers also discovered a discarded bag containing drugs and mobile phones, believed to be contraband.
The items have since been taken for forensic examination.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing police arrest a number of men outside Leyland Park, not far from the prison.
HMP Hindley is a young offenders and adult male Category C prison which can house more than 600 inmates.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 0161 856 5860 quoting incident number 2910 of 17/11/2020.
Details can be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
