Four women have been arrested as part of an investigation into the supply of drugs and mobile phones to inmates at Maidstone Prison.

It comes after a number of searches were carried out in a joint operation with Kent Police, West Yorkshire Police, and HM Prison Service on Monday.

A 31-year-old woman was arrested at a property in Gillingham High Street on suspicion of throwing contraband into a prison, money laundering, and possession of cannabis with intent to supply.

Two women aged 19 and 51 were also arrested in St Mary’s Road, Faversham, on suspicion of money laundering while a third search at an address in Dewsbury, Yorkshire, resulted in the detention of a 28-year-old for money laundering.

The offences are alleged to have taken place between February 2017 and February 2018.

Detective Sergeant Dan Barker said: "Kent Police takes the supply of drugs and mobile phones into prison extremely seriously.

"When these prohibited articles get into the hands of prisoners they fuel violence, medical emergencies and also lead to further crimes being committed, both inside and outside the prison estate."

All the suspects were later released pending further investigation.