An escaped Wanganui prisoner has reportedly been spotted in Taranaki.

Police are investigating reports from people who may have seen Kenneth Burns.

He fought off two Corrections staff, and took off barefoot from Wanganui Hospital, where he was being held in custody last Thursday.

Detective Senior Sergeant Blair Burnett says police are trying to pre-empt where the 34-year-old may be.

Police are reminding anyone harbouring Burns, that helping an escaped prisoner is an offence.