Inmates escape from high-security prison in helicopter

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

TV stations Antenna and Alpha reported they escaped at 3:30pm (13.30 Irish time) today. The helicopter flew into the prison courtyard and the inmates climbed up using a rope ladder thrown to them.

Guards at Korydallos prison opened fire but could not prevent the escape of 42-year-old Vassilis Paleokostas and 34-year-old Alket Rizaj.

Other media reports said the helicopter has been abandoned on a highway north of Athens.

The pair also escaped by helicopter in June 2006 from the same prison, where they were serving time for armed robbery and kidnapping. They were captured in August.