NEW "no-fly zones" have been introduced around prisons in England and Wales to stop drones being used to deliver drugs and contraband to inmates.

The legal change means drone operators could face fines of up to £2,500 for flying within 400 metres of closed prisons or young offender institutions.

People caught smuggling items behind bars already face up to 10 years in prison.

Despite promises as far back as 2016 by then-Justice Secretary Liz Truss to create no-fly zones around prisons, prior to the change police were only able to act on drone sightings when there was evidence of contraband being illegally smuggled.

The new restrictions, which came into force today, mean authorities should be able to swiftly identify suspicious drones and take action against suspected criminal activity, as well as enhancing security by preventing illegal filming behind prison walls.

Prisons minister Edward Argar said: "We are working harder than ever to prevent the smuggling of contraband into our prisons and this is the latest step to keep ahead of the tactics exploited by organised criminals.

"These new anti-drone measures – along with our advanced airport-style X-ray security and drug detection dogs – will crack down on those illicit items that fuel violence behind bars."