Four prisoners attempt break-out

Four Wellington Prison inmates attempted a daring escape today, with one succeeding in leaping over the parameter wall and briefly enjoying freedom before being recaptured.

It appeared the prisoner that escaped jumped over the prison's wall after climbing on to the roof, Department of Corrections acting southern assistant regional manager Bronwyn Donaldson said.

Police were immediately notified and the inmate was recaptured within an hour.

"Three other prisoners, who had also climbed on to the roof, were successfully contained by staff and did not escape," Ms Donaldson said.

"Public safety is the department's absolute priority and we are treating this breach of security very seriously."

Ms Donaldson said the full details of the escape were not yet known, and might not be known until a review had been completed.

"One escape is one too many and we will be looking closely to see what exactly occurred. Until our review is completed I am unable to provide further detail."

- NZPA