THIS is the fugitive who has sparked a police manhunt after fleeing from the dock at York Magistrates Court.

Luke Russell, 17, appeared before the city’s youth court on Tuesday accused of robbing a man by pulling a six-inch knife on him in Markham Street, off Haxby Road, York.

But while magistrates considered his case, Russell leapt over the dock wall before the dock officer could stop him.

He ran out of the door of Courtroom Two, through the courthouse exit door and across Clifford Street.

Russell has yet to be traced and a warrant has now been issued for his arrest. A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said: “If anyone sees Luke Russell or knows where he is, please contact the police or Crimestoppers immediately.

“Although he isn’t likely to pose a danger to the public, he has shown a blatant disregard for the law and the sooner he is back in custody the better. We believe he is still in the York area and would appreciate the public’s help to find him.”

Russell is white, 5ft 6ins to 5ft 7ins tall, with a medium build and mousey brown hair.

At the time he made off from court he was wearing dark jeans with a Bench belt and a black top emblazoned with white stripes across the chest and arms.

After his disappearance, magistrates agreed with the Crown Prosecution Service the alleged robbery was a serious crime, and therefore should be tried by a judge and jury at York Crown Court.

Anyone with any information is urged to phone North Yorkshire Police on 0845 6060247.

Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.