Prison escape plot foiled by staff

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An investigation is under way into the incident at Full Sutton prison, near York, which was discovered on Friday.

But officials said they could not confirm reports the plot involved an audacious plan to spring convicted terrorists using a helicopter.

According to The Sun, nine Muslim inmates were aiming to hold the prison imam hostage using stashed weapons and then move to a sports field where they would be picked up by a helicopter.

The chopper was to have been hired by an outside contact on the pretence it was needed for a business trip.

The report said jail staff foiled the plot, which involved convicted terrorists, hours before it was due to take place.

A Ministry of Justice spokeswoman said: "Vigilant staff at HMP Full Sutton uncovered details of a possible escape plot on Friday.

"The prisoners involved were immediately separated and the Prison Service is investigating the matter."

Full Sutton is a maximum security prison which houses more than 600 men, including many lifers.

The only successful prison break using a helicopter in the UK was more than 20 years ago when two inmates were sprung from Gartree Prison, in Leicestershire.