Indian man escapes police station after attacking officers with pick axe

Footage shows suspect using weapon left behind by workmen renovating station

A man held under arrest at a police station in India briefly escaped custody by knocking two officers unconscious with a pick axe.

Police had arrested 25-year-old Vishnu Rajawat and his friend for violating the peace in the Bhind district of Madhya Pradesh on 10 September.

The men were not locked up and police instead let them sit outside the cell without handcuffs.

Footage shows Mr Rajawat approaching two constables, Umesh Babu and Gajraj Singh, from behind with a pick axe.

The weapon had been left behind by workmen renovating the police station,

Mr Rajawat can be seen using the axe to knock the officers unconscious before escaping from the police station with his friend.

The pair were caught around three hours later.

"The accused attacked the two constables using a tool lying there for some construction work," Rudolf Alvarez, the superintendent of police, said.

“Umesh Babu, who is seriously injured, has been referred to a Delhi hospital for better treatment. Gajraj has been admitted in a hospital in Gwalior."

Mr Rajawat will now face fresh charges of attempted murder and causing hurt, officials said.

Agencies contributed to this report