POLICE have released footage of a footchase which saw an officer apprehend a suspected drug dealer.

Colchester Community Policing Team were responding to local concerns about drug activity when a man ran off into a nearby woods.

He ran down verges and through dense undergrowth before eventually being detained in a river bed.

The man was found to be in possession of controlled drugs, a three-figure sum of cash and a mobile phone, all of which were seized by police.

He was interviewed on suspicion of possession with intent to supply controlled drugs and has now been dealt with for drug offences.
 

A spokesman for Colchester Police said: "If you have concerns about criminal activity in your local area, please tell us about it and we will work hard to help.

"We would encourage residents to continue to report issues to us which are affecting their local communities, and this video shows the efforts officers will go to to respond to those concerns."

To report drug dealing call 101 or 999 in an emergency.