A prisoner is on the run after escaping custody while attending his brother’s funeral.

Orijol Rukaj was granted day release from prison to mourn with loved ones at the Keilor East Cemetery funeral in Melbourne’s north-west about 1.30pm yesterday.

Despite being supervised, he managed to “leave the cemetery undetected” during the service, police allege.

 


Despite being supervised, Orijol Rukaj managed to© Nine

Victoria Police is searching for Rukaj, but have so far been unable to locate him.

Police have released an image of Rukaj, described as a “medium security prisoner”, in the hope someone may recognise him.

He is described as Caucasian, 170cm tall with short, shaved black hair and a solid build.

The 47-year-old was last seen wearing a white shirt, black suit and Asics runners.

He is known to frequent the Sunbury and St Albans areas.

“Rukaj is not believed to be violent but members of the public are urged to call Triple-Zero immediately if they see him,” Victoria Police said in a statement.

“Anyone with other information that might assist in locating Rukaj is urged to contact Sunshine Police Station on 9313 3333 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”