Rarely has a prisoner received such royal treatment by the normally no-nonsense boys in blue.

But not often has the captive had floppy ears, four legs and long whiskers.

Officers at Wombourne police station, near Wolverhampton, have been doting on their furry detainee after finding it on Enville Common during a routine patrol.

But the copper-coloured cutie has had to be kept in a cell, in the absence of more appropriate accommodation.

The bunny was caught in the headlights of Sgt Matt Walker’s patrol car in the early hours of yesterday, with the kindly officer scooping it up and took it in.

Back at the High Street station, the bobtail was promptly named Thumper and fed apples, banana and grass throughout the night until the shops opened and proper rabbit food could be obtained.

But without a hutch or any other form of cage, Thumper was put behind bars.

Officers believe he is tame and likely to have escaped from a caring home.

Pc Jo Grundy, who was put on rabbit watch, said: “Our sergeant took pity on him, because the rabbit was trembling on the side of the road and didn’t run off like a wild rabbit would have done.

“We think he – or she, we’re not sure which – is probably somebody’s pet, so we’re hoping they will come forward to claim him.”

The bunny was named by Sgt Walker and his accompanying officer that night, who both had rabbits called Thumper when they were youngsters.

Pc Grundy said: “He’s a bit of a rascal but that’s not why we’ve locked him up. It’s just the safest place to put him for the time being. He’s got a box and a prison blanket in there and looks completely relaxed.

“I’ll miss him when he goes – this beats my usual routine of going to meetings and catching up on paperwork.”

But it’s not all been plain sailing.

The 35-year-old officer added: “He might look cue but he’s got a mean kick.”

Thumper is due to be rescued from his cell by RSPCA staff who will look after him until his owner comes forward.

Anyone who recognises Thumper is asked to call 0300 123 4455 and ask for Wombourne Police Station.