Prisoner escapes from Christchurch Hospital

A prisoner has made a dash for freedom by jumping out of a window at Christchurch Hospital.

At about 5.15pm today, Neil Joseph Anderson, 46, was receiving hospital treatment when he escaped from police custody.

He leapt out a window and made off "with haste"' across Hagley Park towards the Botanical Gardens, said police.

Anderson is described as Caucasian, 5ft 8 tall, with thinning blonde hair.

He was wearing a hospital gown and handcuffs.

Police said he is not considered dangerous and the public are requested to report any sightings.