Police on Monday afternoon tracked down and captured two men, both aged 26, who had earlier escaped from the Menoyia detention centre in the Larnaca district.

The two men, both from India, were among a group of five detainees who, after breaking the windows’ security system, used blankets to lower themselves to the ground.

After launching a manhunt for the two escapees, police picked them up around 5pm in the village of Maroni, Limassol district.

The initial five who managed to break out were spotted on the surveillance system by one of the officers, who sounded the alarm at around 2am.

Three of them were caught immediately and arrested but the two 26-year-olds managed to flee. One of the three injured his leg trying to escape and was taken to Larnaca hospital where he underwent surgery.

Police were scouring the area to locate the two, while authorities at the ports and airports were also notified.

Menoyia is a holding centre for third-country nationals slated for deportation.