A high-speed chase through Croydon ended with three men arrested and four kilos of pure cocaine, worth almost £200,000 lying in the street, a court heard.

Clive Gideon, 26, Streatham, Craig Beckford, 27 South Norwood and James Mitchell, 52, from Brent are all charged with conspiracy to supply class A drugs.

They were arrested on August 10, last year after a sting operation involving undercover officers at the DHL delivery office in Beddington Farm Road.

Croydon Crown Court heard that officers saw Mr Gideon collect a package from the DHL depot and leave with it in a burgundy BMW 5 series.

The car then left the area at speed and was chased by four unmarked police cars in a high-speed pursuit through the streets of Croydon.

Giving evidence, PC Dean Harrison, said: “The vehicle went towards the Lombard roundabout and wasn’t making any attempt to stop.

"The car then screamed along Mitcham Road at speeds in excess of 60mph as it was fleeing from the police cars, the court heard.

“The car went through a red light and we then pursued it onto the Croydon Road reaching speeds of around 80mph.

“As we entered Windmill Road a covert vehicle pulled alongside the BMW. The BMW braked and slowed, I noticed a yellow type package discarded by the BMW, from the nearside of the vehicle.

“Mr Beckford had opened the car door and in my opinion, tried to escape. I took hold of Mr Beckford and pulled him to the floor. Mr Beckford was struggling and tired to discard a mobile [phone] that was in his hand."

When the contents of the package were examined it was discovered to contain nearly 4kg of cocaine.

The three men deny the charges.

The trial continues.