Escaped prisoners recaptured in Solomon Islands

4:56 pm on 4 January 2017

Police in Solomon Islands have recaptured two prisoners who escaped from Auki prison in Malaita province in the early hours of New Year's Day.

The Former Solomon Islands Police Commissioner Frank Prendergast, (foreground).

The Former Solomon Islands Police Commissioner Frank Prendergast, (foreground). Photo: RNZI/ Koroi Hawkins

Both of the men were on remand - one for murder and rape charges and the other for minor criminal offences.

The Solomon Islands Police Commissioner Frank Prendergast confirmed both escapees were recaptured today by RSIPF officers from Auki.

Mr Prendergast said both had injured themselves during the escape, one quite seriously and police were evacuating him to the National Referral Hospital in the capital for treatment.

He said the other escapee was also going to be transferred to Honiara and an investigation into the circumstances of the escape is continuing.