A high profile Mongrel Mob member on the run from police has links to Hawke's Bay - and has been involved in at least two violent crimes here.
Mana Tangitutu, 27, who has the words "East Coast mongrel forever" and three large M's tattooed on his face, sparked an extensive man hunt when he escaped police custody in Whakatane last week.
Police spokeswoman Kim Perks said local police were notified of his strong links to the eastern North Island.
"He has links to the East Coast including the Hawke's Bay so it's fair to say the Hawke's Bay and Bay of Plenty areas are quite a focus," Mrs Perks said.
The Hawke's Bay Today archives revealed Tangitutu's trail of offending as an 18-year-old in Hastings.