A mentally ill patient absconded from a secure unit in Lewisham on Saturday afternoon (February 6) and was chased by eight police officers down the High Street.
Officers from the Met managed to detain the man, who was reportedly fighting and spitting at them.
The patient was taken in by police by around 3pm, and officers kept an eye on him until after 9pm – when a space became available for him at the mental health unit.
This was described by one sergeant as an "unacceptable" wait.
Earlier in the day, Lewisham police officers sectioned another man who was deemed to be a danger for himself.
Officers and paramedics from the London Ambulance Service stayed with him for three hours - because there were no beds available.
A spokesman tweeted: "At long last we have a bed at a place of safety (not a Police Station).
"Thankfully within the hour the subject will hopefully get the help and assistance that he needs."
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