Police, prison authorities probe holes discovered near prison wall

Prison authorities discovered two large holes at the Tower Street Adult Correctional Centre in Kingston which they believe were being dug by prisoners planning an escape.

According to law enforcement officials, the holes were discovered on the western side of the prison formerly known as General Penitentiary.

Reports say one of the holes, which is about four feet deep, was dug near the base of the perimeter wall, which the perpetrators had started to dig through.

Sources say the other hole is about two feet deep and appear to be the route used to access the other hole.

Meanwhile, the head of the East Kingston Police Superintendent Victor Hamilton says police investigators are now assisting prison authorities to probe an incident at the Tower Street Adult Correctional Centre.

Yesterday law enforcement officials confirmed that two large holes were discovered at the institution.

There has been no word from prison officials about the holes, but law enforcement officials say all inmates have been accounted for.

Speaking to The Gleaner/Power106 News Centre today, Superintendent Hamilton said he could not confirm that a tunnel was discovered at the prison.

However, he confirmed that the Department of Corrections is leading the investigation into an incident at the Tower Street-based institution and have requested the assistance of the police.

Superintendent Hamilton says he cannot give an update on the probe at this time.