Escape plan from maximum-security facility foiled by 'prison intelligence'

Guards at Victoria's biggest maximum-security prison have foiled an escape plan after finding bricks had been removed from the wall of a cell.

A spokesperson from the Department of Justice confirmed the attempted jailbreak saying it was "thwarted through prison intelligence".

"Prison officers uncovered the plan and stringent security measures were immediately put in place Saturday afternoon to secure the facility," the spokesperson said.

"Corrections Victoria will work with police to assist them with their ongoing investigation."

The Herald Sun is reporting that three inmates had been using crude instruments as digging tools; including spoons, forks and scissors to remove the mortar.

All three suspects have been moved to Barwon Prison, near Geelong.