The former powerful president of Ethiopia's Somali region attempted to escape police custody on Friday by climbing through a window ahead of a court appearance, state-linked Fana Broadcasting Corporate reports.

Abdi Mohammed Omer had been kept in a separate office for safety reasons, Fana reports, but he attempted to escape by smashing a window.

"In his escape attempt, he broke a window before choking a member of the police force," news agency Reuters reports quoting a police statement.

Mr Omer however denied the accusation.

He was forced to resign on 6 August and arrested weeks later after violence broke out in the regional capital, Jijiga.

At least 20 people died and thousands fled Jijiga as mobs looted properties owned by ethnic minorities and burned down several Ethiopian Orthodox churches during the outbreak of violence in August.

Mr Omer is alleged to have overseen widespread rights abuses including torture, rape and killings during his 13-year rule.

He, however, denies the allegations.