Dramatic video footage has emerged showing a shirtless prisoner who is on the run after escaping custody at Waikato Hospital shimmying down the outside of the building – reportedly from the eighth floor.

The man clings to the pipe as he descends several storeys. He stops on a ledge briefly before dropping to the bottom of the pipe, then running off to freedom.

Police have urged the public not to approach Damon Anderson, a prisoner who escaped Corrections custody at Waikato Hospital yesterday.

He is not considered an immediate risk to the public, but anyone who sees him should avoid contact and call 111.

“If you see him, please call 111, or alternatively, information can be provided to police online or by calling 105, quoting file number 241223/5693,” police said.