Escaped prisoner Ricky Wilson caught by police in Upper Hutt

Escaped prisoner Ricky Wilson has been arrested in Upper Hutt this afternoon.

The 29-year-old man escaped Corrections custody yesterday evening while being transported back to Rimutaka Prison from hospital.

He has been charged with escapes custody and is due to appear in the Hutt Valley District Court tomorrow.

"We'd like to thank the public for their assistance and patience," a police spokesperson said.

"We appreciate this was a stressful time for the community while officers searched for the man."

Acting prison director of Rimutaka Prison Steve Morgan said public safety was the top priority and a full operational review into the circumstances of the incident was under way.

"We expect this review to identify how this incident occurred and what action can be taken to prevent this happening again," Morgan said.

"As this is subject to police investigation we are limited in what further detail we can provide, but can confirm the prisoner was accompanied by two custodial staff and handcuffed."