A fleet-footed police officer collared a suspect after witnessing a drug deal take place in Colchester.

Officers with Colchester's Community Policing Team were on foot patrol in the Old Heath area of Colchester when they saw a Class A drug deal taking place near an estate.

The estate is close to Old Heath Recreation Ground. Upon seeing the officers, Craig Elliot, 33, from Colchester, decided to try his luck on foot and ran off through the housing estate.

After a chase, an officer managed to catch Elliot, who was searched and found in possession of crack cocaine.

Gazette: Foot chase - the officer was confident he would catch the suspectFoot chase - the officer was confident he would catch the suspect

He was charged with possession of crack cocaine and bailed to court.

However failed to attend his hearing, so a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Elliot was found and arrested shortly after the warrant was issued and put before the next available court, where he received fines and costs in the region of £300.

A spokesman for the team said: "Drug activity in any area has a detrimental effect on local residents, but it is particularly distasteful right outside family homes and near children’s play areas."