Gardaí in Limerick were last night hunting for a prisoner who escaped from custody while being treated at Mid-Western Regional Hospital.
Prison officers brought the 25-year-old, who is originally from the north side of Limerick city, to the hospital from Limerick prison. He is not due for release until next summer.
It is understood the prisoner made his escape after he knocked a prison officer to the ground while a nurse was tending to him.
The incident occurred shortly after 9am yesterday.
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Gardaí from Roxboro Garda station searched a number of locations in Limerick yesterday, and have appealed for anyone with information to contact their local Garda station.
The Irish Prison Service is also investigating the escape.