Four people have been arrested after an investigation into banned contraband allegedly being sold at HMP Rochester.

Two serving prisoners are suspected of arranging for cash earned through drugs, tobacco and other contraband to be hidden in the bank accounts of others while they were both inmates at HMP Rochester between September 2017 and February 2018.

Both men - one aged 38 and the other 21 - were arrested this morning.

Search warrants were also executed at addresses in Gillingham and Stanford-le-Hope, Essex, where two women aged 24 and 26 were also arrested.

All four people have been detained on suspicion of conspiring to launder the proceeds of crime and remain in custody while enquiries continue.

The investigation is being carried out by detectives from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate.

Detective Chief Inspector Lee Morton said: "The arrests of these four people today marks a significant stage in this particular investigation and I would like to thank the staff of HMP Rochester for their assistance thus far.

"It is sadly not unheard of for the partners or relatives of serving prisoners to become involved in money laundering offences committed on behalf of those behind bars.

"I would strongly advise anyone who is asked to send or receive money that does not belong to them to think twice, as it may be the proceeds of crime and earn you a longer visit to prison than you would want."