Police today revealed Brandon Rockhouse has been on the loose since about 5pm on Sunday when he escaped while being arrested for allegedly breaching his bail conditions.
He ran off as he was being taken out of a police car in the yard at the Cromwell police station.
Head of the Cromwell police, Sergeant Mike Williams, said Rockhouse had a history of violence and should not be approached by members of the public.
He was last seen running into Orchard Place, Cromwell, on Sunday, wearing a white hooded sweatshirt, that appeared too small for him, a black t-shirt with a white skull on the front and blue jeans that had been described as having a "shiny" finish.
Five police officers spent three hours searching for Rockhouse on Sunday and extra police staff were called in to carry out searches on seven Cromwell properties yesterday n the hunt for the man and further properties are being searched today.
Although Rockhouse was a resident of Cromwell, he had connections in Christchurch and Dunedin and might attempt to seek refuge there, Sgt Williams said.
People could provide information about his whereabouts anonymously through the Crimestoppers Line on 0800 555 111.
