This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-33039030

The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Killers escape from New York prison using power tools Killers escape from New York prison using power tools
(about 3 hours later)
Two convicted murderers are on the run after using power tools to escape from a maximum security jail in New York.Two convicted murderers are on the run after using power tools to escape from a maximum security jail in New York.
Richard Matt, 48, and David Sweat, 34, have been described as "dangerous individuals", by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo.Richard Matt, 48, and David Sweat, 34, have been described as "dangerous individuals", by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo.
They cut through steel pipes at Clinton Correctional Facility in Dannemora and fled through a manhole.They cut through steel pipes at Clinton Correctional Facility in Dannemora and fled through a manhole.
Mr Cumo said the prison breakout was the first escape from the facility in 150 years.Mr Cumo said the prison breakout was the first escape from the facility in 150 years.
"It was an elaborate plot,'' he added."It was an elaborate plot,'' he added.
The two escapees left a taunting post-it note for their jailers saying: "Have A Nice Day!"
The New York Post reported that they cut through the steel back walls of their cell before clambering along a 6ft catwalk to reach a series of pipes and tunnels, which they again cut their way through. The pair then climbed up through a manhole into a nearby street, "disappearing into the darkness some 20 miles south of Canada".
They placed bundles of clothing in their beds to fool guards into believing they were asleep after making their escape on Friday night. Their absence from adjoining cells was not discovered until the following morning.
Sweat was serving a life sentence without parole for the first degree murder of Broome County sheriff's deputy.Sweat was serving a life sentence without parole for the first degree murder of Broome County sheriff's deputy.
Matt was given a jail term of 25 years to life for the kidnapping and beating a man to death in 1997.Matt was given a jail term of 25 years to life for the kidnapping and beating a man to death in 1997.
The two men's adjoining cells were found to be empty during a morning check, said Anthony Annuci, the acting state corrections commissioner.
"A search revealed that there was a hole cut out of the back of the cell through which these inmates escaped,'' he added.
"They went onto a catwalk which is about six stories high. We estimate they climbed down and had power tools and were able to get out to this facility through tunnels, cutting away at several spots."
Sniffer dogsSniffer dogs
Police are trying to determine how the men acquired the tools.Police are trying to determine how the men acquired the tools.
"How they got them, and how they found their way through the maze of tunnels and pipes, remains a mystery," The new York Post quoted officials as saying.
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo posted pictures of pipes and walls with chunks cut out after he was shown the inmates' escape route.
"By definition, it was an extraordinary act," he said. "These are two dangerous individuals; one was incarcerated for killing a sheriff. And they are nothing to be trifled with."
More than 200 officers are searching for the prisoners, using sniffer dogs and aerial surveillance.More than 200 officers are searching for the prisoners, using sniffer dogs and aerial surveillance.
The jail is about 20 miles (30km) from the Canadian border. Roadblocks have been set up in the area, according to local media. Roadblocks have been set up in the area to catch the pair - who both have distinctive tattoos - according to local media.
Sweat is described as a white male, 5ft 11in (180cm) tall, with brown hair and green eyes. He weighs 165lb (74kg) and has tattoos on his left bicep and his right fingers.
Matt is also white and is 6ft (183cm) tall. He has black hair and hazel eyes and weighs around 210lbs (95kg).
His tattoos include "Mexico Forever" on his back, a heart on his chest and left shoulder and a Marine Corps insignia on his right shoulder.