KEY POINTS:
Police are searching for Steven Tony Sinclair, 35, and Graham James Cope, 18, who escaped from Lower Hutt District Court yesterday afternoon.
Both men were appearing on burglary related charges.
Detective Sergeant Dean Simpson of Lower Hutt police said the men overpowered a prisoner escort officer about 4pm yesterday before fleeing.
The officer was not injured during the incident.
The pair escaped out the back of the court house onto Knights Rd and were last seen running in the direction of the Westfield Shopping Centre.
Sinclair is Maori of medium build and about 1.67m tall. Cope is Maori of medium build and about 1.63m tall.
Mr Simpson said police did not believe the two men were associated in any way, other than being at court on the same day.
Police believed Sinclair may have access to firearms, and said neither man should be approached.
Mr Simpson said police would like to speak with anyone who may have information about either of the men.
- NZPA
