30 Oct 2014

Escapee recaptured by police

3:12 pm on 30 October 2014

The Armed Offenders Squad, police dogs and a helicopter were called in to hunt for a prison escapee, who was eventually caught hiding in bushes on the banks of the Manawatu River.

The 55-year-old man escaped from a work party in Ashurst about 9am, three hours before being recaptured.

A Manawatu Prison spokesperson said they were taking what he described as a "walk away" seriously and there would be a full operational review.

The escapee was in police custody and was expected to appear in the Palmerston North District Court later today.