GREEK police scoured the country yesterday for two convicts who orchestrated a brazen helicopter prison break for the second time in three years, deeply embarrassing authorities who had vowed to improve security.

The Greek government has sacked three Justice Ministry staff after the escape of two robbers from a high-security prison in Athens by helicopter - for the second time in less than three years.

Two convicted robbers staged a daring escape by helicopter from a high-security prison for the second time, Greek media reported today.

Kidnappers released an elderly and ill Greek shipping magnate early today, eight days after they snatched him at gunpoint in a seaside suburb of Athens.