Alleged PNG attackers use cell key to escape

Last Updated: Mon, 9 Mar 2009 13:32:00 +1100

Six men charged in Papua New Guinea with the murder of a businessman have escaped from police custody.

A hunt is under way in Port Moresby.

The men were charged with the murder of businessman Sir George Constantinou last December.

Building tycoon Sir George was ambushed and killed by a gang of youths on December 16 near one of his timber yards.

He was hit on the head during a botched car-jacking.

The alleged attackers had been held at Bomana prison awaiting trial but were brought to Boroko police station last Friday for an identification parade.

Chief Inspector Andy Bawa told The National newspaper that the police officer on duty accidentally left a key on a table inside their cell.

The men used the key to escape with three others when the police officer was asleep.

The inspector has appealed to the public for information on the men's whereabouts.

He says they could be dangerous.

Somare at funeral

More than 600 people, including PNG Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare attended the funeral of Cyprus-born Sir George, 75, in Brisbane.

The dead man, a key figure in the PNG business world, also had business interests in the Solomon islands and in Queensland.

He established Papuan Welders in 1954 and proceeded to build a business empire in PNG until his murder at Gerehu, near Port Moresby.