A prisoner who attacked security guards while trying to escape from Norwich Crown Court has killed himself while on remand, a court has heard.

Simon King, 30, hanged himself while in Chelmsford jail about a week after he made his dramatic attempt to escape from the dock.

A security guard suffered tendon damage when his hand was slashed, but King was apprehended as he fled and did not manage to leave the building.

Security at UK courts has been privatised and is run by international security firm G4S.

After the incident, a spokesman for G4S praised the bravery of staff for the 'swift and decisive' action they had taken.

King, of Durham Way, Thetford, was facing charges of burglary at homes in Nunnery Drive, Thetford.

Nicholas Cotter, prosecuting, told the judge that King had hanged himself while on remand, meaning the case will no longer proceed.

A Prison Service spokesperson said: 'HMP Chelmsford prisoner Simon King was found hanging in his cell at 12.05am on Monday, May 9. Staff attempted CPR and paramedics attended but he was pronounced dead at 12:53am.

'As with all deaths in custody the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman will conduct an investigation.'