Police in the Australian city of Brisbane were left stranded and embarrassed after a handcuffed suspect drove off in their patrol car.

The two officers had arrested 29-year-old Mark Robert Nolan in connection with a series of burglaries.

They put him in their unmarked vehicle and went round the back to look for some further evidence.

Mr Nolan waited until they had gone, climbed into the driver's seat, started the engine and drove off.

Queensland Police Deputy Commissioner Ian Stewart said that the two officers had been investigating the contents of a bag in Mr Nolan's possession.

"During that time, it appears Nolan has got into the front of the police car and turned the police car on and driven off," he said.

Mr Nolan had been handcuffed with his hands in front of his body, he said.

Story at http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7348339.stm