Police have released a photo of the Tongan national at the centre of a manhunt after he allegedly stabbed a detention centre contractor and assaulted another during a violent escape while being transported for deportation this afternoon.
The fugitive, a Villawood Immigration Detention Centre detainee, broke free early this morning while en route to Sydney Airport, where he was due to be deported to Tonga.
During the escape, a 54-year-old contractor was stabbed in the neck and cheek, while a 36-year-old man was assaulted.
Both victims work for the centre, which operates under the Australian Border Force (ABF).
NSW Police have now issued an image of the wanted man, urging the public to assist in locating him.
Detectives recovered a sharp metal object from the scene and believe the suspect fled toward Harris Park.
“The male is known to frequent Mount Pritchard and south-west Sydney,” said NSW Police Superintendent Simon Glasser.
“We urge the public to be vigilant—do not approach him. If seen, call triple-zero immediately.”
Authorities have warned residents in Sydney’s west to remain cautious as the search intensifies.
The man remains at large, with a heavy police presence in the Harris Park area.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
