Police officers on self-proclaimed “poo watch” have conceded defeat after a drugs suspect managed to hold out for almost seven weeks without going to the toilet.

Lamarr Chambers, 24, was arrested in Harlow, Essex, on January 17 and was suspected of swallowing a stash of drugs.

Essex police applied to courts to repeatedly extend his custody time after he refused to empty his bowel and pass the package he was believed to be hiding.

But after 47 days, and "following medical and legal advice", police decided to release him and he was escorted to hospital.

The CPS discontinued charges of intent to supply a Class A drug and driving matters and rearrested him on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of a Class A drug.

He was then released on bail and taken by police car, in company with a medical professional, to hospital for treatment.

Deputy Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington, who made the call to release Chambers from custody, said: "On the basis of all the medical evidence in this case it is most appropriate, both in the interests of Mr Chambers and of justice, to ensure he receives the hospital treatment he needs.”

After detaining Chambers back in January, officers from Essex’s gangs and urban street crime unit began tweeting the stand-off, labelling it #poowatch.

Police at the custody unit closely monitored the detainee for signs of movement.

But he refused to budge, despite being offered medical help and being constantly provided with food and water.

The force provided regular updates on his status, writing after the third day that “our man on #poowatch" was still showing “no movements/items to report”.

“He will remain with us until Friday when we are back at court where we will be requesting a further eight days should he not produce anything before that hearing,” they added.

The Twitter account had earlier written: "Male doesn't seem to understand that eventually he will need/have to go."

Officer applied for custody extensions at seven court hearings as they waited for Chambers, of Brixton, London, to go for a poo.

He had been arrested by officers from Essex Police's Operation Raptor West, the gangs and urban street crime unit for Harlow, Epping Forest, Brentwood and Thurrock district.

Chief Superintendent Paul Wells, Essex Police's lead for Operation Raptor, said at the time: "Drug dealing and a gang lifestyle is not glamorous.

"You'll be exploited, be the victim or perpetrator of violence, you'll spend your days wondering whether a rival dealer or police officer will find you first.

"You'll be expected to courier and deliver drugs and that might involve you swallowing or carrying them inside you, which is particularly dangerous.

"If you are arrested and suspected of having drugs inside you, we can and will keep you in custody until you produce them. It's important that Essex Police continues to highlight the reality around drug and gang-related crime."

Officers said Chambers was seen daily by doctors and was constantly watched.