A manhunt is ongoing in Sydney after a convicted rapist escaped from custody at a hospital, with police warning the public not to approach him as he remains at large.

 

According to 9News Australia, the 30-year-old man, identified as Michael Angok, fled from Bankstown Hospital on Wednesday morning while receiving medical treatment. He had been transported there from Villawood Immigration Detention Centre when he reportedly sprinted from his hospital bed and escaped.

 

Authorities confirmed that the fugitive has now been on the run for more than 48 hours, with extensive police operations underway to track him down. Police believe he may still be in the Bankstown area, although they have not ruled out the possibility that he could be moving using public transport, as reported by 9News Australia.

 

The man was previously convicted for his role in the gang rape of a 14-year-old girl in Doonside in 2014 and has spent approximately nine years in detention. His escape has raised serious concerns about security protocols and risk assessments within the system.

 

Home Affairs Shadow Minister Jonno Duniam has called on the government to clarify whether all necessary precautions were taken prior to the hospital transfer. According to 9News Australia, he emphasised the seriousness of the situation, describing the escapee as a dangerous individual.

 

Police have since launched a coordinated operation under Strike Force Tolquin, with Detective Superintendent Brett Van Akker stating that the suspect is well known to law enforcement. He added that significant police resources have been deployed to ensure the man is located and returned to custody, as reported by 9News Australia.

 

Residents in the area have also reported possible sightings. One witness told 9News Australia that he saw a man matching the description running through a backyard and jumping over a fence shortly after the escape. Personal belongings believed to belong to the suspect were later discovered on Gallipoli Road in Condell Park, providing investigators with potential leads in their search.

 

The suspect is described as being of African appearance, between 175cm and 180cm tall, with a thin build and short black hair. At the time of his escape, he was wearing a black hooded jumper, grey tracksuit pants, and white Crocs-style sandals.

 

Police have urged members of the public to remain vigilant and immediately report any information regarding his whereabouts. They have stressed that the man should not be approached under any circumstances. Anyone with information is advised to contact emergency services or Crime Stoppers as the search continues.