A man who escaped police custody in Taupo has been missing for 24 hours

30-year-old Samir Derek Belhajjam fled a transport vehicle at Taupo District Court around six yesterday evening.

He'd earlier made an appearance.

Belhajjam was wearing green prison-issue shorts and a T-shirt, along with an orange hi-vis vest.

Police warn people not to approach him - and to call 111 immediately if they see him.