An absconder was found hiding in the bushes near Darent Valley Hospital on Friday (February 5), after escaping from police custody that afternoon.

Francis Docherty had been taken to the hospital for treatment, having collapsed at Grays Police Station in Essex - after being arrested - shortly before 12.45pm.

The 20-year-old was originally detained on suspicion of burglary and stealing a motor vehicle.

However the gardener, who has no fixed address, escaped from custody - leading to a manhunt involving Essex and Kent Police, as well as the police helicopter.

Some people noticed the helicopter circling over Bluewater, but a shopping centre spokesman told them not to be alarmed.

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Docherty was found hiding in the undergrowth at 6.45pm - and taken back to Grays Police Station.

He appeared at Medway Magistrates Court on Saturday (February 6) charged with escaping from lawful custody.

Earlier the same day, police were spotted in Greenhithe hunting two men who were thought to have firearms on them. It was an unrelated incident.

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