Detainee escapes during court hearing in the south of France

Police are on the hunt for a man who fled during a French court hearing yesterday (September 18). 

The man, 32, is facing charges of violence, unlawful restraint, and property damage at the tribunal in Grasse (Alpes-Maritimes), and was led into the courtroom around 16:00.

During the hearing, he suddenly jumped over the dock he was behind and fled the courtroom, stunning officers who were unable to catch him before he left the building. 

An update from police on Wednesday night said the man was still on the run, and had not been located.

The judicial police office in Nice has opened an inquest into the incident. 

Read more: What update on hunt for prisoner who escaped four months ago in France?