Bay of Plenty police set up cordons in Opotiki and are using a police dog to search for an escaped prisoner they said is considered to be dangerous.
The 21-year-old man escaped from the Opotiki District Court after being moved from Waikeria Prison.
He was wearing orange prison overalls, but is now believed to only be wearing shorts.
Police said he is facing a variety of serious domestic violence related charges and should not be approached.
They set up cordons and are using a police dog in the search.
