Hunt continues for escaped prisoner

Police are continuing to hunt for convicted offender Mana Tangitutu who escaped from custody last week after being handed a four month prison sentence for family violence.

Since his escape Police have executed a number of search warrants in Kawerau and Opotiki to try to locate Tangitutu. Police in other District are making similar active enquiries.

Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Standen said: "Mana Tangitutu has a very distinctive appearance. It is our belief that someone must be assisting him and I need to make it very clear that we will look to prosecute anyone who is found to be helping him to evade capture."

Mana Justin Tangitutu is 27-years-old, Maori, approximately 180cms tall. He has gang affiliations and has a distinctive full facial tattoo featuring three 'M's on his forehead and East Coast Mongrel across his nose and upper lip. He has links to the Gisborne area, Whakatane, Tauranga and the North Shore.

The public are reminded not to approach Tangitutu but to report any sightings immediately via the 111 system. Anyone else who has knowledge of where he is should contact the Police or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.