Officers suspended after jail smuggling allegations

Eight prison officers have been suspended on suspicion of smuggling mobile phones into Wakefield jail, one of Britain's top security prisons.

By The Newsroom

Published 17th Mar 2010, 13:10 BST

The prison holds some of the country's most dangerous offenders.

An inquiry was launched last October into an alleged phone racket at the category A jail.

Yesterday West Yorkshire Police confirmed they were investigating the allegations but said no arrests have been made.

A spokesman said: "Police are liaising with prison authorities in relation to allegations against a number of members of staff and inquiries are ongoing."

The allegations relate to offences under the Offender Management Act.

According to reports the officers face allegations of smuggling after mobile phones, top-up cards and receipts were found in a bag of sugar.

Wakefield holds more than 700 inmates, who have included child killer Ian Huntley and serial murderer Harold Shipman.