A prisoner appearing on remand at a Kent court managed to bust his way out of the dock and flee the building.

The dramatic incident happened at the magistrates' court in Folkestone yesterday afternoon and saw the man flee the courtroom before leaving the building in Court Approach off Castle Hill Avenue.

Police were swiftly informed of the 35-year-old suspect's disappearing act and he was later arrested.

He is now being held by police charged with escaping lawful custody.

The incident has echoes of scenes in BBC crime drama Happy Valley in which the character Tommy Lee Royce - played by actor James Norton - made a daring escape from court while awaiting sentencing.

A police spokesman said: "We were called to a report of a man who had absconded from Folkestone Magistrates' Court at about 5pm on Thursday.

"Following inquiries officers found and arrested a 35-year-old man on suspicion of escaping lawful custody.

"He remains in custody."

The Ministry of Justice has been approached for comment.