CCTV footage shows bystander tripping up suspect as he runs away from police in south London

Kingston Police praised the smartly dressed member of the public, who was caught on camera sticking his leg out to stop the man's getaway

Police have thanked a member of the public for his timely intervention after he tripped up a suspect they were pursuing through the street.

Officers were chasing a man down a street in Kingston when a sharply-suited passerby stuck his leg out and tripped him up. The incident was captured on CCTV.

Thanking the stranger for his help, Kingston Police called him a “legend”.

The man and his female companion then nonchalantly walked off as police could be seen arresting the suspect who was now lying on the ground.

A spokesman for Scotland Yard told ITV News an arrest was made following the late night police chase.

It read: "On Saturday, 6 February at 11.20pm, officers on patrol near to Clarence Street, Kingston, were made aware of a report of two males seen dealing drugs at the location.

"The males left prior to the arrival of police but one of them was stopped by police near to the scene. Officers attempted to speak to the male who then made off.

"With the help of a member of the public he was detained a short time later."