1.00pm
Three young offenders are on the run from the Mohaka Place Youth Justice Centre in Palmerston North today after breaking out last night.
It is the latest in a series of incidents at the centre, including a riot last month in which staff were injured.
Police said the breakout happened shortly before
8pm and involved three habitual offenders, one of whom has a history of property crime and unlawfully taking motor vehicles.
Sergeant Andy Brooke said he is still waiting to hear more details from Child, Youth and Family, which runs the facility.
Manager of the 30-bed facility Graeme Munford confirmed that a breakout had happened but declined to give details.
"We are in the middle of investigating it at the moment," he said.
Mr Brooke said police are searching for the three.
"They will turn up," he said.
"They always do, but we'd prefer if that was sooner rather than later."
Police are also investigating any link between the breakout and the disappearance of another young offender who had been sent to a youth justice centre in Auckland.
It is believed that boy stayed about an hour in Auckland before stealing a car. Police believe he may have returned to Palmerston North.
Last month 11 inmates rioted at the centre, leaving three staff injured. The staff required hospital treatment for injuries including broken fingers and a dislocated shoulder.
An inquiry into that incident is under way .
In October last year, two inmates -- one charged with murder and the other with aggravated robbery -- escaped and broke into nearby buildings before being recaptured.
- NZPA
