The Police have appealed for the public’s help to locate three escaped prisoners, warning that one of the men is considered particularly dangerous and should not be approached under any circumstances.

In a public alert issued on Monday, police urged anyone who sees the escapees to immediately call the emergency number 922 or contact the nearest police station. Authorities stressed that public safety remains the priority as officers continue their search.

The three men have been identified as Liuaki Fungalei Kokohu VI, also known as Michael Tama, a New Zealand national born on 4 November 1991; Angelico Fa’aoa, a Tongan national born on 14 October 2010; and Adam Zabid Hussein, born on 27 February 1992, who is identified as the holder of a Fijian passport.

Police described Kokohu as the highest-risk escapee because of his criminal history and the seriousness of the offences linked to him. The public has been specifically warned not to approach him and to report any sightings immediately.

The force also reminded the public that knowingly assisting, harbouring, concealing or providing any form of aid to escaped prisoners is a criminal offence under Tongan law.

No further information has been released about when or how the prisoners escaped, and authorities have not disclosed where the men were last seen.

Investigations are continuing, and Tonga Police say anyone with information that could assist officers should contact police immediately rather than attempting to intervene themselves.