Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly
Three prisoners are still on the loose after leaping to freedom from the back of a transport wagon on an Auckland motorway and stealing a car this afternoon.
Police said the three remand prisoners escaped near the Ellerslie-Panmure Highway off-ramp at about 2.40pm, while the van was heading north towards Mt Eden prison.
They fled on foot towards the South-Eastern Highway, befre stealing a vehicle from a passer-by and drive off.
Superintendant Shanan Gray said police were still hunting the prisoners and asked anybody who saw today's events to contact police as soon as possible.
"This is an ongoing incident and further updates will be provided once they become available," Gray said.
Corrections has launched a review into how the prisoners escaped.
Chief Custodial Officer Neil Beales said a search is still under way, including the use of the police Eagle helicopter.
He said the prisoners face a maximum five year sentence for escaping.