'Dangerous' escaped prisoner found

File photo

Police are hunting a prisoner who escaped from a mental hospital in the Christchurch suburb of Hillmorton this afternoon.

Kieren John Doody went missing about 1.20pm from Hillmorton Hospital, Detective Sergeant Ross Tarawhiti said.

Mr Tarawhiti said the prisoner was considered dangerous and should not be approached.

Doody is Caucasian with a pale complexion, medium build, and about 1.52m tall.

He was last seen wearing a black jersey, long black socks and light coloured pants.

Mr Tarawhiti wants anyone with information on Doody's whereabouts to contact police.

- NZPA