Police release photo of man on run

Tuainekore Charlie Rangi. Photo / Supplied

Police hunting a man who escaped from custody this morning have released his photo as they appeal for help from the public.

Police said 30-year-old Tuainekore Charlie Rangi - known as Charlie - was considered dangerous and had earlier being arrested for failing to appear in court on burglary and vehicle crime charges.

Detective Senior Sergeant Mark McHattie said Rangi escaped from an interview room at Glen Innes Police Station.

He said he was known to have connections in Otara and Manurewa and warned anyone who helped Rangi could be prosecuted.

"Anyone who knows where he is or who is approached by him should contact Police on 111 as soon as practicably possible," Mr McHattie said.

"Police throughout the region have been notified of his escape and patrols are on the lookout for him but we also need the assistance of members of the public and his friends and associates to track him down."

Rangi is about 177cm tall and of solid build with medium length, straight black hair. He is clean shaven and has a scar on his right cheek that runs straight down the cheek from below the right eye.

He also has a tattoo on his right forearm of a coiled king cobra snake and another of a snooker 8 ball on his left hand.

- NZHERALD STAFF