Stunned cops who were searching a house for a wanted crook found him – hiding underneath a large teddy bear.
Derbyshire Police’s Dog Section started the "game of hide and seek" after the suspect locked himself in a house following a chase.
He was wanted over breaching the conditions of being fitted with an electronic tag.
Officers swooped on the property in The Green, Hasland, Chesterfield, Derbys., at 9.30am on Thursday (10/6).
The man was eventually found hiding underneath a large teddy bear.
Officers joked on Twitter the bear remains in custody for "assisting an offender".
The suspect was soon located by an officer - crowned by colleagues as "hide and seek champion 2021".
A police spokesman said the man was arrested on a bench warrant from magistrates in Nottingham.
Writing on Twitter, Derbys Dog Section said: “Wanted suspect ran away from @CfieldResponse and locked himself inside a house.
“PC Richmond and PC Stuart attend. Entry was gained and the game of hide and seek commenced.
“PC Stuart aka hide and seek champion 2021 located suspect hiding under a large teddy! #readyornotherewecome.”
