A man due to appear at Derry's courthouse this morning in connection with an armed robbery has escaped from custody.
It is understood that the man climbed over a fence surrounding the courthouse and ran off in the direction of the city centre.
Police have now launched a major manhunt.
The 22-year-old had been charged with a number of offences including robbery and possession of an imitation firearm.
The charges relate to a robbery and assault at a flat in the Northland Road area of Derry on December 12.
No more details have emerged about the dramatic scenes at the local courthouse this morning.
If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team. Between 9am and 5pm Monday to Sunday please call 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Between 5pm and midnight please call or text 07825 711978. Or you can email john.gill@derrynews.net at any time.