Killer Katrina Epiha on the run: the search enters the third day

The police search for a convicted murderer who escaped while being returned to prison from the hospital has entered its third day.

Police said Sunday morning that the search for Katrina Epiha is continuing and told the Herald they would release a statement about the hunt as soon as possible.

Epiha is considered dangerous and the public has been told not to approach her.

She has large, distinctive tattoos on her cheeks and was last seen running towards Gray Ave in Māngere, South Auckland, wearing a long-sleeved black top over a white shirt.

The 22-year-old was also wearing gray sweatpants and light pink running shoes.

Epiha was convicted of fatally stabbing 32-year-old mother Alicia Maree Nathan, also known as Robinson, and threatening to kill another woman on Avonhead property in August 2017.

She was 19 at the time of the attack and was sentenced to prison for at least 10 years as part of a life sentence for murder last year.

Anyone who sees Epiha or knows of her whereabouts should immediately call 111 or the Manukau County Police on 09 261 1321.