An investigation has been launched into how a prisoner obtained mobile phones and drugs while in a cell at Hounslow police station.

The man, a prisoner at Wormwood Scrubs, was taken to Hounslow police station by officers to be interviewed and on his return to prison was found to be in possession of two mobile phones and drugs.

The incident was reported to police by prison staff and the Metropolitan Police Service’s directorate of professional standards was informed, it voluntarily referred the case to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC).

IPCC is managing an inquiry by a specialist team into what happened and three Hounslow officers have been served notices to confirm they are under investigation.

Deborah Glass, IPCC commissioner for London, said: "This investigation is examining how a prisoner came to be in possession of these items while in police custody, looking at how the prisoner was supervised while being taken to and from the police station and his time at the station.

“We are working closely with the prison service and the police to ensure the circumstances of this case are established as quickly as possible."