Escaped prisoner named

An inmate who fled a minimum security unit at a prison south of Te Awamutu early today was last seen running across nearby paddocks.

Robert John Wikaere, 19, a minimum security inmate at Waikeria Prison, is known to have links in the Hamilton and Rotorua areas.

He was last seen running across paddocks at the rear of a minimum security unit about 6.30am.

Te Awamutu police were called and, backed up by a Hamilton-based dog unit and prison staff, began a search for Wikaere.

Wikaere, a male Maori of medium build, about 177cm in height, was wearing prison uniform. His current hairstyle was described as being quite a distinctive cut in a Mohawk style, although the sides were not completely bald but of a short length.

- NZPA