Prison staff in smuggling probe

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Two prison staff have been arrested for allegedly trying to smuggle mobile phones into Belmarsh Prison - Britain's highest security jail.

Officials found two handsets hidden in a van during a routine check at Belmarsh Prison in south-east London.

Two operational support grade officers, both in their 30s, were arrested at the scene.

It is believed the van was not occupied by prisoners at the time and was returning from a service.

Prohibited articles

A Ministry of Justice spokeswoman said: "Two operational support guards at HMP Belmarsh were suspended on 5 August after mobile phones were found concealed in a van they were driving into the prison."

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said the pair had been arrested on suspicion of bringing prohibited articles into the prison and followed a routine search by prison staff at an entry and exit point.

Both men have been bailed to return to a south London police station in September.

Belmarsh holds some of Britain's most notorious prisoners including radical Islamic preacher Abu Hamza, sex attacker Levi Bellfield and Sally Anne Bowman's killer Mark Dixie.