An armed criminal who was chased through a river by an off-duty officer has been jailed.

Clive Tebu, of Jenningtree Road, Bexley, made off from police in Blackheath on April 19 last year when their attention was drawn to a grey Mercedes he was driving.

After trying to signal him to pull over a police chase began through residential areas which involved the 31-year-old weaving in and out of traffic at up to 77mph in a 20mph zone.

In a desperate bid to get away, Tebu rammed a member of the public's vehicle before mounting the kerb and fleeing on foot.

One officer chased after the Bexley man and saw him jump over and into the shallow waters of the River Quaggy.

Following behind, the officer, who was in full kit, jumped in after him and was joined by an off-duty officer who stepped in to help.

The off-duty officers caught up to Tebu and detained him while the on-duty officer raeched them both.

Tebu was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and failing to stop, but it was later discovered during the pursuit he had thrown a 9mm handgun, ammunition and a large sum of money from the car.

Further searches of his property found £75,000 in cash.

He was then arrested and later charged with dangerous driving, failing to stop for police, possessing a firearm and ammunition.

Tebu was jailed for five years and 10 months and was disqualified from driving for nearly five years after pleading guilty at Woolwich Crown Court.

Detective Constable Rachael Nelhams, of the specialist crime command, said: “Thanks to the professionalism and diligence of these officers, another viable firearm has been taken off the streets. This will inevitably have saved lives and prevented unknown victims suffering serious injuries or worse.

“The police drivers involved in this incident showed a high level of skill in safely following Tebu as he drove in an extremely dangerous manner. The officer who pursued him over a wall and into the river showed impressive determination and commitment.

“I would also like to praise the off duty officer who saw a colleague in need of help and jumped in – quite literally – to provide vital support. His selfless actions were brave and showed the best qualities of policing.

“Without his intervention it is possible that Tebu, who was not weighed down in the water in the way the fully-kitted officer was, might have got away.”