Police name escaped prisoner after hospital escort breakout in Auckland

Police are working to locate Paul Kyle Peekay Rehua after he escaped custody while on a hospital escort in Auckland. Photo / NZ Police

The identity of a prisoner who escaped while on a hospital escort in Auckland has been revealed.

Police said they were working to locate Paul Kyle Peekay Rehua and have a warrant for his arrest.

Rehua, 42, is wanted in relation to escaping custody and is believed to be in the wider Waitematā area.

Police said he is known to frequently visit the greater Auckland and Waikato regions.

The prisoner from Mt Eden Corrections Facility has been on the run since just before 9am Friday.

The prison’s acting general manager Edith Pattinson earlier said police were informed immediately and were searching for him.

It’s believed he is actively avoiding police.

RNZ reported it is understood the prisoner had been handcuffed.

Police urged anyone who has seen Rehua, or has any information that may help in locating him, to update them online now or call 105.

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