Two prisoners on the loose in Horowhenua escaped from a moving police van as they were being transferred from Manawatu Prison to Levin District Court.
The pair fled from the van on the corner of Plimmer Terrace and Ballance Street in Shannon and were spotted by a following motorist who quickly flagged down the driver.
Levin police Senior Sergeant Willie Roy said the men were not handcuffed and while some of their clothing was prison-issue it would not be instantly recognisable as such.
Mr Roy warned members of the public not to approach Debden Wamoanaa, who faced charges of serious assaults.
The 26-year-old, a 1.75 metre tall Maori man of medium build, was described as violent.
Mr Roy also urged caution with the second man, Jay Solomon, who faced charges of aggravated robbery.
Solomon, 18, was described as Maori, 1.6 metres tall, with a slim to medium build and a mohawk style haircut.
Mr Roy said the men were locals and this could make it more difficult to locate them.
"We've been looking for them all day and we're following a few leads."
The van door showed no obvious signs of damage and Mr Roy said police had a "few theories" on how the men had managed to get out, "but they're only theories at this stage".
