Police hunt escaped prisoner

Police are searching for a prisoner who has escaped from Tongariro Rangipo Prison.

Jamie Paamu Hughes, 29, escaped from the prison in a white 2005 Toyota Landcruiser light bus with the registration CPU985.

The vehicle has a large grey speaker mounted on its roof. Police have said Hughes stole the vehicle which belongs to Department of Corrections about 11.15am

Hughes was last seen wearing a checkered shirt with jeans. He has a tattoo on the right side of his neck and a shaved haircut.

Hughes is 160cm tall and is of thin build.

Police said Hughes should not be approached. Anyone who spots Hughes or the van is urged to call 111.