This is the dramatic moment a bungling thief attempted to flee from police across a rooftop but tumbled off during the escape.

Watit Phumsrithong, 23, who allegedly stole a motorcycle, was arrested by officers from at an apartment in Pattaya, Thailand, on November 28.

Police Captain Jakphop Inran led the arrest team to the second-floor apartment, while five undercover officers positioned themselves on the upper and lower floors.

As police reportedly knocked on the door, the suspect opened it but shoved Captain Jakphop in the chest, causing him to stumble. Realising he was about to be arrested, the thief attempted to flee.

CCTV footage shows the suspect dashing down the hallway before climbing onto an awning, with officers in pursuit. Two officials were seen in the parking lot watching as Watit sprinted across the metal roof.

However, the fugitive slipped on the surface and plummeted 13ft (4m) to the ground, landing in the parking area. This gave the authorities the opportunity to apprehend him.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Kornpong Sukwisit of Banglamung Police Station said that Watit was wanted under an arrest warrant for stealing a motorcycle. The suspect had previously been arrested for a similar crime but had reoffended, leading to the latest warrant.

Lieutenant Colonel Sukwisit said: 'The suspect denied all charges, so we handed him over to the inquiry officer for further legal action.'

Authorities also discovered that Watit's partner was in the apartment at the time of his arrest.