Public warned not to help kidnap suspect

Brett Makiri. Photo / NZ Police

Police hunting a suspected kidnapper who escaped custody are door-knocking his known associates.

Brett Makiri, 23 was arrested yesterday afternoon after he allegedly kidnapped and assaulted a woman on Monday.

Makiri was being held in an interview room in the Auckland Central police station when he escaped about 6pm.

Police, who already warned the public against helping Makiri, this afternoon said they had already visited 22 addresses of Makiri's known associates in Auckland and Waikato.

"Our focus remains on Mr Makiri's recapture and we will continue to visit his associates until we locate him,'' Detective Senior Sergeant John Sutton said.

"It would be wise of Mr Makiri to turn himself as soon as possible.

"We remind members of the public and associates of Mr Makiri once again that assisting an escaped prisoner is an offence.''

The 29-year-old woman involved in the kidnapping on Monday night was picked up in Auckland and driven to Coromandel.

She was assaulted several times before escaping when the car she was in ran out of petrol near the Coromandel township.

Makiri was known to the woman and her partner.