AN ACCUSED man dramatically broke free from handcuffs and bolted from Greenock Sheriff Court in an 'astonishing' breach of security.

Stephen Vance was chained to a custody guard when he appeared in the dock to face a number of serious allegations during a private hearing.

But the 26-year-old somehow managed to slip his wrist from the shackles and make a break for it.

Vance burst through the door of Court 1 and sprinted through a corridor and out of the building, leaving the guard injured in his wake.

A female court police officer pursued him whilst calling for back-up on her radio as shocked witnesses standing in the foyer looked on.

The guard — employed by private security firm Geo Amey — sustained a head injury when Vance yanked his arm free just moments earlier.

But the man still assisted in the foot chase.

A court source told the Telegraph: "It was an astonishing scene.

"He was handcuffed to the guard.

"How he managed to get away is beyond me but he was clearly determined."

The Telegraph understands that Vance made his escape as Sheriff Joseph Hughes told him he was to be remanded in custody on a total of five charges.

He is accused of unlawful possession of a bladed or sharply pointed item, behaving in a threatening or abusive manner and resisting, obstructing or hindering police.

Vance managed to flee out into the street but his break for freedom didn't last long.

The female police officer who initially gave chase found him hiding in bushes near the court building.

The Geo Amey guard — who is understood to have banged his head off the wooden dock during the incident — was later seen seated in the foyer giving a statement to police.

It is understood that paramedics were summoned to check him over.

Geo Amey say that a full investigation has been launched into the security issue.

A spokesman for the company said: "Whilst appearing in court, a person in custody attempted to escape but was apprehended within a few minutes by the police.

"Unfortunately, one of our officers sustained a minor injury which we condemn, as we do all events that result in physical harm to our officers.

"We have reported the matter to our criminal justice partners who we will work with to investigate the circumstances of the incident."

Vance, previously of Gael Street in Greenock, is now locked up on remand.

He is due back in court next week.