Lowcountry Prison on Lockdown after Escape Attempt

RIDGEVILLE, S.C. (AP) -- Prison officials say a maximum security prison is still on lockdown after two inmates tried to escape over the weekend.

Prisons spokesman Josh Gelinas says a guard at Lieber Correctional Institution spotted the pair trying to cut through a fence around their dormitory Saturday night.

Officials locked down the prison, and inmates were restricted to their cells.

Gelinas said he didn't know the inmates' names or what charges had originally landed them in prison. Both men now face attempted escape charges and contraband charges for having a cutting tool.

In addition to the normal inmate population, Lieber maintains the death row for the entire state.