A man chased down by police on foot in the town centre for failing to appear in court was found with suspected drugs and a weapon.

The man was seen by a police patrol in the Weymouth town centre yesterday evening.

The man was wanted for failing to appear in court and made off on foot from the officers.

Upon being caught he was found in possession of suspected drugs and an offensive weapon.

He was also wanted in connection with numerous shopliftings.

A spokesperson for Weymouth & Portland Police said: "Neighbourhood officers were on patrol as part of Op Track in Weymouth town centre this evening when they located a male who was wanted for failing to appear at court, he made off on foot but was quickly apprehended.

"He was found in possession of suspected controlled drugs and an offensive weapon was located.

"He was also wanted in connection with numerous shopliftings.

"He is now assisting us with our enquiries and will be presented to the court in the morning."