Police chased and caught a man charged with violence and carrying a knife when he jumped over the dock at court and escaped down the street yesterday.

PC Darren Sims and PCSO Adrian Olivars-Nunes were waiting to give evidence in a separate case at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court when the Thornton Heath man shot past them "at full pelt" in the waiting area.

The oficers, who were not wearing stab vests, ran out of the court in Alexandra Road, Wimbledon, and tracked him down to Woodside, three streets away, where he was hiding in a garden.

They brought him back to court and he is now in custody. It was not the only drama of the day, as the Wandsworth PC and PCSO stopped an alleged shoplifter on the same morning.

The man was running along Alexandra Road from central Wimbledon chased by store security guards.

Their boss Chief Inspector Steve McSorley said: "That was an appetiser for the day.

"They found security running down the street and they helped to detain the shoplifter and hand him over to other officers who had been called already."

Chief Insp McSorley said they had acted quickly and bravely when giving chase to the absconder later, because they did not know how risky it was to go after him.

He said: "They had taken off their body armour to go into the court - it was an unknown risk.

"They are fit young officers.

"The officers acted with great courage and determination, which are both qualities we look for."

The man was in the dock in court seven to face charges of threatening behaviour, possession of a blade, criminal damage and violent behaviour at a police station. He has not entered a plea.

The criminal damage and violent behaviour matters will be heard at Wimbledon Magistrates' Court in January. 

He will appear at Kingston Crown Court next week on charges of threatening behaviour and possession of a blade. 

It is likely he will face further charges relating to the escape attempt.

Chief Insp McSorley said he hoped the officers would be rewarded for their actions. He said: "They did well.

"They made it back to court in time to give evidence."