Killer on the loose

A dangerous killer was on the run from police after escaping from Kaitoke Prison, south of Wanganui, today.

A police spokesman said Gary Lawrence McKinley, 43, was discovered missing from a work gang near the prison at 11.15am.

McKinley is serving a life sentence after he was convicted in 1987 of rape and murder.

McKinley was dangerous and should not be approached, the spokesman said.

He was described as 1.71m, solid build, with short black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing blue jeans and a green jersey.

Police appealed for anyone knowing his whereabouts to contact their nearest police station.

- NZPA