Armed police are hunting for a man who escaped from Lower Hutt District Court this afternoon.
Matthew George Kidman was in custody and due to appear in court today, but escaped about 2.30pm.
Hutt Valley area commander Inspector Mike Hill said police were searching Queensgate Mall and the central city for Kidman or associates who may have helped him escape.
Kidman was arrested last night.
Mr Hill said he did not know how Kidman escaped.