Police in the North say they want to question Derek Brockwell in connection with two robberies in Belfast yesterday.
Derek Brockwell - who was serving a seven-year sentence for armed robbery at Portlaoise Prison - stabbed two unarmed prison officers at Tallaght Hospital in Dublin yesterday before making his escape. He was detained in Belfast last night.
In a statement DS Kenneth Leckey said: "A man unlawfully at large from the Republic of Ireland was located by police in Belfast City Centre following a police operation this evening.
"A taser was deployed during the operation and the Police Ombudsman has been informed," he added.
One prison officer underwent emergency surgery after he was stabbed in the stomach. The second officer was stabbed in the hand.
53-year-old Derek Brockwell has been described as one of Britain's most wanted individuals.
It is understood the prisoner was driven away from the hospital on a waiting motorbike.
Earlier the Taoiseach denied budget cutbacks were the reason for security being scaled back on the convicted criminal.
Originally published 18/02/2015
