Immigration detainee wanted for stabbing Border Force official while be transported from detention centre in Sydney

An immigration detainee who stabbed an Australian Border Force contractor in the neck and assaulted another inside a van while being transported from a detention centre in western Sydney has been identified.

Tongan national Paea Teu, 28, was being taken from the Villawood Detention Centre to Sydney Airport for deportation when the incident occurred.

He escaped about 3.40am on Thursday sparking a manhunt.

Police and NSW Ambulance called to James Ruse Drive in Clyde found two men – aged 36 and 54 – inside a Kia van, one with stab wounds and the other having been punched several times.

The 54-year-old was stabbed in the neck and cheek, police said.

“While (the detainee) was in the vehicle, he has assaulted both the driver and passenger and it allowed him to escape the car,” Detective Superintendent Simon Glasser told reporters on Thursday.

Both men, believed to be Australian Border Force contractors, were treated by paramedics for their minor injuries and transported to Westmead Hospital in stable conditions.

Police were told their injuries are not considered to be serious.

Inspector Glasser told 2GB’s Ben Fordham the vehicle in which the 28-year-old man was being transported in was a “fairly standard type of van”.

It is not known whether the man was handcuffed at the time of the incident.

“We believe one of the victims was stabbed with a sharpened metal object,” Inspector Glasser told reporters.

“The male is known to police, and his background will form part of the inquiries.”

Their attacker remains on the run, with police and the dog unit searching the dense bush area.

The man is described as Pacific Islander/Maori appearance, with a tanned complexion, a large build, about 180cm tall with black hair, dark eyes and is unshaven.

He was last seen wearing a black coat, black track pants and black and white sneakers.

“(Police believe) he frequents the Mount Pritchard area and other areas in western Sydney,” Inspector Glasser said.

“We believe he was tracked westbound from James Ruse Drive towards Harris Park.”

The public has been cautioned to not approach the man.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.