A search is underway after a prisoner under the supervision of correctives absconded from a hospital on the state's Mid North Coast this morning.
Just before 8am (Sunday 25 August 2019), police responded following reports a prisoner, who was being treated under guard by officers from Corrective Services NSW, absconded from Port Macquarie Base Hospital.
On arrival, officers from Mid North Coast Police District were told one of the guards discharged a 'warning shot' from his firearm during the escape.
A large-scale search involving local police, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, the Dog Unit and PolAir, is now underway for 28-year-old, Matthew Furner.
He was last seen running west from the Oxley Highway near Lake Road. Members of the community are urged to avoid the area at this time.
Matthew Furner is described as being of Caucasian appearance, 180cm tall, with a slim build and a shaved head with a rats tail. He was last seen wearing prison greens (t-shirt and tracksuit pants).
Police are urging the community not to approach him if sighted, instead they should contact Triple Zero (000) immediately.
Anyone with information about Matthew Furner's whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
