At about 5.15pm on Tuesday 21st February 2012, a male prisoner who was receiving treatment at Christchurch Hospital escaped from police custody by jumping out a window and making of with haste across Hagley Park towards the Botanical Gardens.

He is Neil Joseph ANDERSON, aged 46 years. He is a male Caucasian, 5ft 8 in tall, with thinning blonde hair. He was wearing a hospital gown and had handcuffs on.

He is not considered dangerous and the public are requested to notify police of any sightings. Police phone number is 3637400.