Inmate escapes north Queensland prison

An inmate serving four years for a break-in is on the run after escaping from a north Queensland prison.

Police are searching for Graham Robert Masso, 38, who fled Townsville Correctional Centre about 2pm on Thursday.

"He is serving four years, 26 days for entering a dwelling with intent without violence or threats," a Queensland Corrective Services spokesman said.

Masso is 171cm tall, with a medium build and dark complexion, and has distinctive tattoos on his body, including the words "love and hate" on his left arm and "mum" on his right arm.