Do not approach prisoner: police

A prisoner who escaped from the Auckland police station late last night should not be approached, say police.

Heath Matehare escaped about 11.20pm and had not been seen since.

A police spokesman said the public should not approach Matehare and should call police immediately with any sightings.

Matehare was a solidly built Maori, 183cm tall. He was last seen wearing a white long sleeve t-shirt and over the top a black t-shirt with white writing on the front, and dark jeans.

Matehare was a "slippery customer" and a warrant had been issued for his arrest.

- NZPA