US jail uncovers apparent escape plot involving bedsheets

New York: Authorities say officials at a New York City jail have uncovered an apparent escape plot while sweeping the facility after learning of drug smuggling there.

Law enforcement officials said today that an inmate at the Manhattan Detention Centre had neatly tied together 64 bed sheets and stashed them under the sink in his cell.

The discovery of the plot comes less than two weeks after two convicted murderers escaped from a maximum-security prison in northern New York state. A manhunt is underway.

In the other case, authorities say a correction officer at the prison and a different inmate were arrested in a conspiracy to smuggle drugs, cell phones, pliers and other items. The officer worked in the detention centre's mailroom.