Prisoner escapes from Waikato jail

A man with an extensive criminal history has escaped from a Waikato prison and police are warning he is not to be approached.

Paul Kyle Peekay Rehua escaped from a medium security unit at Waikeria prison, located south of Te Awamutu, between midnight and 6am.

He is described as Maori, 176cm cm tall and of thin to medium build. He has short dark hair and a moustache.

Police said Rehua had an extensive criminal history and had links to the Waikato and Te Awamutu areas.

They said anyone with information should report Rehua's whereabouts to them but should not approach him.

- NZPA