Police have been told 33 year-old Richard Norrie was being detained at the Glen Innes Correctional Centre on the Gwydir Highway at Glen Innes.

Between Monday night and the early hours of Tuesday, he escaped from his cell.

Police believe he ran off from the centre and has not been seen since.

Norrie is described as being Caucasian in appearance, with black hair, medium build, and is approximately 171cm tall. 

Police are searching the local area but are appealing for public help to find Norrie.

Police said if he is sighted, the public should not approach him, but instead contact triple zero immediately.