A search is underway after a prisoner under the supervision of correctives absconded from a hospital in Newcastle.
Earlier today (Thursday 20 February 2020), police responded following reports a prisoner, who was being treated under guard by officers from Corrective Services NSW, absconded from John Hunter Hospital.
A large-scale search involving local police, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, the Dog Unit and PolAir, is now underway for 35-year-old, James Tozer.
He was last seen running on Lookout Road near Bushlands Close, New Lambton. Members of the community are urged to avoid the area at this time.
James Tozer is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 172cm tall, of slim build with ginger hair. He has bruising around his eyes and was last seen wearing prison greens.
Police are urging the community not to approach him if sighted, instead they should contact Triple Zero (000) immediately.