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Police are searching for two prisoners who escaped from Te Awamutu District Court this morning.
Anthony Taka was facing charges for assaulting a female prison guard at Waikeria Prison, while Daniel Minogue faced possession of cannabis charges.
The pair escaped from the court cells about 11am.
Taka comes from Whakatane and is described as Maori, about 183cm tall with short hair and a stocky athletic build.
Minogue is from the Rotorua-Taupo area and is Maori, about 183cm tall, of slim build with a 8cm wide mohawk haircut.
Police said the pair should be considered dangerous and not be approached.
A widespread search was being carried out to find the men, while a separate investigation was under way to determine how they escaped.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Ross Patterson of Te Awamutu police.
- NZPA
