Police are searching for a prisoner who escaped from a minimum security facility in Cessnock this morning.

Blay Cunningham, 25, was last seen at the Cessnock Correctional Facility just before 10am today (Sunday 1 March 2015).

Police have been told the man was briefly sighted on Verdelho Avenue, Mount View.

Cunningham was reported missing to Central Hunter Local Area Command, who commenced a search of the area.

He is described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, about 167cm tall, of slim build, and with dark brown hair and brown eyes.

He was last seen wearing green tracksuit pants and carrying a white t-shirt.

Police are warning the public not to approach Cunningham if they see him, but to instead contact Triple Zero immediately.