Police have visited at least 22 houses across Auckland in their hunt for a suspect in a violent kiddnapping case who escaped their custody.
A 29-year-old woman was driven from the Auckland suburb of Glen Innes to Coromandel on Monday and was repeatedly assaulted during the journey.
Brett Makiri. Photo: NZ POLICE
She managed to escape when the car ran out of fuel and sought help at a house nearby.
Brett Makiri was arrested on Wednesday, but escaped from an interview room at the Auckland central police station on Cook Street just hours later. He was due to appear in court over the abduction on Thursday.
Police said they have searched properties in central Auckland, Waitemata and Counties Manukau, without success on Thursday and haven't ruled out the possibility that he has managed to travel beyond Auckland.
The 23-year-old is considered dangerous and shouldn't be approached. Police have made arrangements to ensure the safety of the woman involved. They are also warning Mr Makiri's friends and family not to help him or they may face charges also.
Police Minister Anne Tolley said she expects a full investigation into how Mr Makiri escaped.
