Prisoners break out of cell through ceiling

Police are hunting for two men who escaped from their cell at Rotorua police station early today.

Zeb Lee Sonny McCallion and Dean Wayne Whakatau smashed a hole in the ceiling of their first floor cell before climbing through and fleeing.

Police said McCallion faced numerous burglary and unlawful taking charges and had been remanded in custody until October 6.

Whakatau, 27, was remanded in custody until October 21, on charges of rape and kidnapping charges.

McCallion is described as having unruly hair and a light beard.

He is 175cm in height and of medium build. He claims to be Maori but has caucasian features and complexion.

Whakatau is described as clean shaven. He is 169cm in height and of medium to solid build.

Police appealed to anyone sighting either of the fugitives to contact them.

It is Whakatau's second prison escape in less than two years.

In April last year he fled from Waikeria Prison near Te Awamutu while working in prison grounds.

Whakatau was captured after police were tipped off by members of the public and rammed a police car as he was being chased.

Police said at the time he had driven towards an officer, narrowly missing him, before ramming the car.

He was caught after running away, entering a house and setting off a burglar alarm.

- NZPA