Man arrested over violent kidnapping escapes

Brett Makiri. Photo / NZ Police

A man arrested earlier today in relation to a violent kidnapping has escaped police custody just hours later.

Brett Makiri, 23, was arrested in West Auckland this morning over the assault and kidnapping of a 29-year-old woman on Monday night.

Auckland central police said Makiri was last seen wearing a dark t-shirt, knee length shorts and white shoes. He did not have any other belongings on him, and it is possible that he will ask for money or attempt to hitch hike a ride to his next destination.

He escaped from the Auckland central police station in Cook St, police said.

"At this stage we are very focused on Mr Makiri's recapture,'' Detective Inspector Karyn Malthus said.

"However there will be an investigation into the circumstances of his escape.''

Anyone who sees Makiri should call 111 immediately.

He is considered dangerous, police said.

On Monday evening, the woman was driven to the Coromandel instead of to a friend's house in a suburb near to her home in Glen Innes.

She was assaulted various times throughout the journey and managed to escape near Coromandel Town when the stolen car ran out of petrol.