Two youth offenders recaptured, but one still free

Two of the three young offenders who broke out of the Mohaka Place Youth Justice Centre in Palmerston North last night have been recaptured.

Palmerston North police said they were found in a stolen vehicle in Dannevirke today.

One of the youths is still on the run and police say he could be anywhere.

The breakout was 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.

- NZPA