This is the moment a North Korean convict breaks out of a prison in northern China.

The inmate, named as 39-year-old Zhu Xianjian, reportedly escaped from Jilin prison in the north-eastern Chinese province of Jilin, bordering with North Korea, at approximately 6pm on 18th October.

He was sentenced in 2014 to 11 years and three months in prison for illegally crossing into China and knifing a woman for her cash and bank books in 2013, and only had nearly two years left behind bars.

A CNY 150,000 (GBP 17,037) reward has been offered for residents able to provide key information leading to the capture of the North Korean defector after he reportedly scaled the canopies leading to the prison wall.

Meanwhile, anyone able to provide tips that assist the investigation and lead to Xianjian’s arrest will receive a reward of CNY 100,000 (GBP 11,355).

The Chinese authorities also reminded citizens that harbouring a fugitive or failing to report seeing one is a criminal offence and anyone suspected of helping one will face punishment.

Xianjian was due for release and deportation back to North Korea in 2023, according to court reports.

He had his sentence shortened by six months in 2017 after receiving education and showing he was sorry. Last year, his sentence was cut by a further eight months for good behaviour.

The search for the North Korean fugitive continues.