The fellow was athletic and his quick side-movement indicated he was something of a boxer; the policeman was embarrassed by his handcuffs and young.
Shillito seized him and threw him against the rails, close to the gap where the steps went down.

The trooper gasped, his grasp got slack, and his body slipped along the rails.

It looked as if Shillito would throw him down the steps, and Lister jumped.
He saw Shillito's hand go up and next moment got a heavy blow.

For all that, he seized the man and held on, though blood ran into his eyes and he felt dizzy.

Shillito struggled like a savage animal and Lister imagined the trooper did not help much.