Missing NSW prisoner arrested in Qld after horrific hammer assault

A prisoner who has been on the run after allegedly escaping a correctional facility in NSW last week has been arrested in Queensland.

The 35-year-old was taken into custody by officers on Monday afternoon after going on a crime spree.

Police will allege the man broke into a house at Clontarf before confronting the residents with a hammer around 4pm yesterday.

The man allegedly assaulted a 71-year-old man with the hammer before smashing a window.

It is alleged he then stole a handbag and mobile phone before fleeing in the resident’s Toyota Camry.

He was arrested a short time later at Kippa Ring and charged with one count each of armed robbery, burglary and commit an indictable offence, assault occasioning bodily harm, wilful damage, unlawful use of a motor vehicle and possessing dangerous drugs.

The man is due to appear in the Brisbane Magistrates Court today.

Police said the 71-year-old victim sustained leg injuries as a result of the assault.