The public has been warned not to approach a man on the run from police after escaping from custody during a court appearance.

William Reader fled the dock at Medway Magistrates' Court, where he appeared to face charges in connection to an assault.

Members of the public will see an increased police presence as officers search the area for Reader, who is wearing a grey tracksuit, but may have changed since.

Reader also has links to the Gravesend area. He was brought to the court from custody elsewhere.

The police helicopter has been flying low over the Great Lines Park area for the past few hours with officers scouring the area on the ground.

Sean Hunt, who lives in The Eye flats overlooking Fort Amherst in Chatham, told how he spotted a man coming out of the bushes.

He phoned police and guided them to the exact area and watched as the chopper flew in low to scan from the sky.

He said the area was teeming with police and the man he saw - who might be unconnected to the case - was wearing a black hoodie, dark trousers and had a backpack.

Anyone who sees him is urged not to approach him directly, but to call police immediately on 999, quoting reference 12-0507.