A would-be robber was nabbed on Silverdale Rd, Hamilton after a police pursuit.

A would-be robber apprehended after a police pursuit in Hamilton tried to steal an armful of original recipe chicken from KFC.

The bungled attempt led to a police pursuit through Hamilton East on Sunday at about 7.30pm.

The man was brought to a stop on Silverdale Rd, and arrested. He has been charged with theft, dangerous driving, reckless driving and two charges of failing to stop.

The man tried to flee with his arms full of the colonel's finest.

Hamilton Senior Sergeant Andrew Mortimore said police were called to KFC on Greenwood St following complaints of a man who jumped over the store counter.

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Mortimore said the 30-year-old Hamilton man was loaded up with chicken when he was confronted by KFC management.

The man dropped the chicken pieces before fleeing the scene empty-handed.

The man is due to appear at the Hamilton District Court this week.