The 'legend' who tripped a fleeing suspect has revealed himself this afternoon as a soldier and euphonium player in the band of the scots guards who was on an early Valentine's Day outing with his wife.

The mysterious figure had been widely praised after he stuck a leg out to floor the running man in Kingston over the weekend.

Chasing police officers piled in on the suspect after he fell flat on his face.

The casual 'have-a-go' hero turned briefly backwards to see his handiwork before continuing on his way arm-in-arm with his girl friend.

The chasing PC Brendan Dexter-Beek met Lance Sgt Matt Lawson this afternoon at a press conference at the Wellington Barracks, by Buckingham Palace.

Surrey Comet:

Lance Sgt Lawson said: "I heard a shout: 'stop police' and immediately my military training just kicked in.

"I saw the policemen chasing a guy and I thought: he's a bit of a whippet, they'll never catch him up.

"The guy fell and as the police grabbed him, they called back 'cheers mate' and my wife and I just continued on our way."

He says he only looked back because the police shouted cheers mate.

"I was just making sure I'd helped and I could hear the police shouting something so I looked back briefly.

"My first thought was this guy was being chased by three policemen who were all shouting.

"I thought he must've done something bad. My wife started pulling me to one side so I just stuck my leg out."

Kingston's borough commander Glenn Tunstall made his way into central London to thank Lance Sgt Lawson after being impressed with his footwork.

He said: "It's been one of our speedier manhunts for which we thank our followers on social media.

"While we don't actively encourage members of the public to intervene in this situation Mathew showed incredible bravery in his intervention and that's why I will be awarding him a commendation in the summer." 

Kingston PC Dexter-Beek insisted he was going to catch the suspect but said: "I owe him thanks".

From Monday: VIDEO: Have-a-go hero casually sends suspected drug dealer flying while arm-in-arm with girlfriend in Kingston

From Tuesday: Kingston police appeal to find 'legend' who tripped suspected drug dealer

Kingston police officer had Seb Ellis said: "Can't wait to shake his hand."