The 23 year old sparked panic at Central station when he jumped down onto the tracks in front of an incoming train before scrambling up onto a neighbouring platform at around 9pm.

Police arrived on the scene shortly afterwards and attempted to subdue the man, who police say was affected by drugs.

The man began to punch and kick at the officers before wriggling away, and allegedly bolting down the rail tracks into the nearby tunnels.

Police stopped the trains and followed him into the sooty tunnels that curl beneath the city.

After an hour of searching the man was located and arrested at around 11pm.

He was charged with possessing a prohibited drug, two counts of common assault as well as two counts of assaulting a police officer in execution of duty. The police involved sustained only minor injuries.

He was also charged with running on rail lines, and attempting to travel without a valid ticket.

He has been granted bail and will appear at the Downing Centre Local Court in January.