A police dog sniffed out a suspected drug dealer hiding in a bush after a drone was spotted in a Liverpool prison.

Merseyside Police’s dog unit was called to HMP Liverpool in Walton after reports the drone was attempting to land in a yard before flying into a nearby field.

Police dog Ike and his handlers found the drone and a remote control on the ground between Stuart Road and Maguire Road in the early hours of Monday.

Police said Ike then used the scent to locate a man, suspected of being the drone operator, hiding in a bush.

A package attached to the drone was found to contain cannabis resin, tobacco, mobile phone notes, drill bits and SIM cards, Merseyside Police said.

A 34-year-old man, of no fixed address, was arrested on suspicion of bringing a prohibited article into a prison, possession of a prohibited firearm and possession of cocaine and cannabis with intent to supply.

Detective Chief Inspector Jordan Quinn said: “Aided by the excellent work and keen nose of PD Ike, our officers acted quickly based on information provided by prison staff to intercept the suspect and seize a drone.

“Merseyside Police will continue to look at proactive ways to combat the illegal use of drones through technology and ultimately with input from communities.”