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Police say they need to speak to more people who saw an escaped prisoner take a bus at Auckland Airport's domestic terminal on Friday.
The handcuffed prisoner was one of seven being transferred from Mt Eden prison to Wanganui prison when he fled from the custody of prison officers about 2pm.
The prisoner allegedly tried to take a taxi before ordering passengers off the bus about 3pm and driving off with it, crashing into another vehicle.
He was recaptured a short time later and now faces a number of charges including escaping custody, aggravated assault, kidnapping, unlawfully getting into a motor vehicle, robbery and endangering transport.
Counties Manukau police spokeswoman Angeline Barlow said anyone who saw the event is asked to contact either Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Gutry or Detective Constable Dwayne Morgan on (09) 295 0200.
Police Inspector Richard Middleton said after the event that the prisoner had not hijacked the bus but rather got on it and started driving.
He said the prisoner was caught by members of the public and police.
The Department of Corrections is investigating the escape.
- NZPA
