Police seek help in Bay of Plenty to track down 'dangerous' gang member who escaped Auckland court

Police are calling for help to help track down a man who escaped the Auckland court.

Police are calling on Bay of Plenty people to help track down a gang member who escaped an Auckland court appearance.

Auckland City Crime Squad Detective Senior Sergeant Lloyd Schmid said Darcy Hayes, 48, fled from police custody while at the Auckland District Court yesterday just after 1pm.

Schmid said in a statement Hayes had links in the Auckland area, and is known to frequent the Bay of Plenty and may have links in the Upper South Island too.

Hayes is a patched gang member and has an extensive history of serious offending.

"Police are asking the public to report any sightings or information to us immediately."

Police reminded anyone who was found to be helping Hayes that they were committing an offence and would be held to account.

Hayes is described as being 177cm tall and of medium to slim build. He has two large tattoos of skulls on the front of his neck and a glove tattooed on the back of his left hand.

He was last seen wearing grey slim-fitting pants and a blue long sleeve hooded jacket with a white zip up the front and white zip pockets.

Hayes is considered dangerous and should not be approached.

If anyone sees him they are asked to call 111 immediately.

If anyone has information that could help police, please contact the Auckland City Crime Squad on (09) 302 6557.

Alternatively, information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.