People are being warned not to approach Samir Derek Belhajjam, but to call 111 if they see him. Photo: NZ POLICE
Police are hunting a prisoner who has escaped from a transport van in Taupō, and are warning people not to approach him.
Samir Derek Belhajjam, 30, escaped custody in Taupō on Monday about 6pm, a police spokesperson said.
"Anyone who sees him or has information on his whereabouts is asked not to approach him, but instead to call 111 immediately."
Belhajjam had been in a police transport van that was at a court building on Story Place when he escaped, the spokesperson said.
He was wearing green prison-issue shorts and T-shirt and an orange hi-vis vest at the time.
There would be an increased police presence in the area, as officers hunt for Blhajjam, they said.
