A burglar who punched a female police officer as she chased him from a crime scene has been jailed for more than three years.

Sden Igene, of Dunheved Hotel, London Road, Thornton Heath, was spotted cycling away from Heathdene Road, in Wallington, following reports of a burglary on April 6.

The female police officer went after Igene, who was on a bicycle, and quickly caught up with him.

Desperate to evade capture, the 20-year-old punched her in the face but she clung on until another officer helped restrain him.

Igene was found in possession of two watches which had been stolen from another address, Elmsleigh Court in Sutton, just three hours earlier.

He was jailed for three years and four months after pleading guilty to burglary, attempted burglary and assault at Croydon Crown Court on Tuesday July 5.

Igene appeared by video link via Camberwell Green Magistrates Court on Wednesday