Prisoners on run after break-out

Three prisoners are on the run after breaking out of custody at Wellington District Court by creating a diversion today.

The men kicked their way out through an internal door and fled into central Wellington, police said.

The break-out happened about 7.45am, when the three remand inmates took advantage of Corrections Department staff "being elsewhere", according to police.

The men were wearing prison clothing -- navy blue and grey crewneck sweatshirts with "Rimutaka Prison" written on them, and navy track pants.

Detective senior sergeant Shane Cotter of Wellington CIB said: "The escape happened when there would have been quite a few people in the area heading to work, especially pedestrians coming from bus stops and the railway station.

"If anyone saw men fitting the descriptions, or people acting suspiciously in the area, then please contact police immediately."

The men are:

• Lance Roy Seymore Ludwig, formerly of Wellington, a male Caucasian, 31 years, short blond hair (crew cut), blue eyes, fair complexion, moustache and goatee beard, 178cm tall, of medium build with tattoos around his neck and arms.

• Daniel Minogue, formerly of Taupo, a male Maori, 23 years, long black hair, brown eyes, copper complexion, moustache and goatee beard, 180cm tall, thin build. He has tattoos of a tui bird and a Maori design on his upper right arm.

• Sonny Pritchard, formerly of Auckland, a male Caucasian, 29 years, short brown hair (crew cut), hazel eyes, olive complexion, moustache and goatee beard, 172cm tall, thin build, with tattoos on his face, neck, arms, hands and chest.

Public Prisons Service regional manager Dave East said in a statement the service was "extremely concerned" and was working closely with police to ensure the rapid recapture of the three escapees.

However, the matter was under investigation and no more details on the men or their break-out could be released.

- NZPA, HERALD ONLINE STAFF