Prison escaper may still be in Hawke's Bay

Police believe escaped prisoner Robert Ataria is still in Hawke's Bay and are following up at least two reported sightings of him last Friday.

In the wake of new information received, they also believe he is now clean shaven in a bid to disguise his identity.

Ataria, 29, escaped from a holding cell at the Napier Courthouse early Friday afternoon.

He was being held there pending a court appearance relating to charges involving the alleged theft of a car and a pursuit on the Napier-Taupo Rd last Thursday.

- NZPA