Escaped prisoner in Gisborne

A prisoner this afternoon escaped from Gisborne District Court, say police.

Allan Taare Gray, a 32-year-old male Mäori formerly of the Waikato area but with local ties, escaped from the custody area of the Gisborne District Court at about 2.39pm on Monday, say police.

When last seen he was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans and socks and jandals.

He is 175cm in height and is of thin to medium build.

Police are urging anyone who has information about Mr Gray's whereabouts to contact their local Police Station or call 0800 Crimeline (0800 274 632).

- NZ Herald staff