Two down, two to go in search

THE search continues for two of four Acmena detainees who escaped the custody of security officers at the weekend.

Multiple police units including the dog squad have been used in the search for ACMENA detainees who escaped custody on Sunday afternoon. Photo Adam Hourigan. Picture: Adam Hourigan

THE search continues for two of four Acmena detainees who escaped the custody of security officers at the weekend.

Eighteen-year-old Hakeem Cohen and a 15-year-old youth were part of a group of four who escaped from custody in Grafton on Sunday after allegedly threatening security officers with a knife and stealing the Juvenile Justice van they were being transported in during an excursion from the correctional centre.

They have been at large since the incident, and police have warned anyone who sees them not to approach them but to contact 000 immediately.

Police said Mr Cohen was of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, between 150cm and 160cm tall, with a medium build and black hair.

The 15-year-old, who cannot be named, was described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 150-155cm tall, with a thin build and brown hair.

Two other escapees, Ezra Williams and Braiden Tighe, were detained on Tuesday and appeared at Coffs Harbour Court yesterday.

They were formally refused bail and will appear in Grafton Criminal Court via audio-visual link on Monday, March 10.

Originally published as Two down, two to go in search