Man who escaped police custody considered dangerous

Tolu Maanaiama is believed to be dangerous and should not be approached.

A man who escaped police custody in Dunedin is believed to be dangerous and should not be approached, police say.

Tolu Maanaiama, 27, fled from the Dunedin Central police station this afternoon, and is now being hunted by police.

"He is believed to be dangerous and should not be approached by members of the public," police warned.

Maanaiama, who was being held in police custody at the time of his escape, is of Samoan descent and has a tattoo on his neck resembling the word 'Jahliyah'.

He is 176cm tall, of solid build and has short, dark hair, police said.

He was last seen wearing white and yellow board shorts and a white T-shirt with writing on the front of it. At that time, he was not wearing any shoes and had black ankle socks on. Maanaiama may also be wearing a grey top, police said.

"Police believe he is most likely to be in the Dunedin area and they are actively seeking to locate him.

"The exact circumstances surrounding Mr Maanaiama's escape from custody are still being worked through," police said.