A break-in at a jail has forced prison chiefs and police to launch an investigation.

The raid took place in the early hours of Thursday at Ford Open Prison in Sussex, the Prison Service said.

The haul included staff mobile phones and cash belonging to inmates, according to The Sun newspaper.

It reported the gang had ransacked guardrooms, stores and administrative offices.

'Unoccupied'

The spokeswoman said: "There was a break-in at Ford. It happened in three unoccupied parts of the prison.

"We are still trying to assess what, if anything has been taken.

"Security wasn't jeopardised. The break-in took place far away from prisoners or staff."

Sussex police have confirmed they are investigating.