by Selwyn Manning

Police are this afternoon continuing their hunt for an escaped prisoner.

The man escaped yesterday from a working party at Auckland's Paremoremo prison.

Peter Anaru Matehaere (31), was serving eight years for aggravated robbery. Matehaere escaped from the working party yesterday afternoon after asking to go to the toilet.

Matehaere was allowed to be part of the working party due to his normally good behaviour.

If he is recaptured, however, Auckland Prison manager Bret Bestic says Matehaere's security status will be increased.

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