A new tactic is being used by criminal gangs to smuggle phones and drugs into Irish prisons.
Flaming socks are being fired over the wall to burn a hole in security netting before dropping into the yard.
According to today's Independent newspaper, the bizarre method has become more and more popular.
Over the past 18 months there has also been an increase in the number of incidents where drones were used to drop illegal drugs and phones into facilities.
Drones
In a single week in March of this year, some 50 packets of drugs and other contraband were delivered by drone or thrown into Wheatfield Prison.
Staff at Mountjoy Prison are now attempting to crack down on the latest method.
Flaming tennis balls have also been used in a similar manner in the past.
