Nationwide manhunt after bikie escapes from Victorian prison

A nationwide manhunt is underway for a bikie who cut his way out of a Victorian jail with bolt-cutters before fleeing with associates on motorbikes.

Leonard Gjeka, 32, escaped from Maribyrnong Detention Centre overnight where he was waiting for deportation to Albania.

He and another inmate, 51-year-old Michael Dobson, wore balaclavas and cut through the boundary fence before riding off with two others waiting for them.

Police believe Gjeka could be travelling to South Australia, where he has a criminal history with the Comancheros bikie gang.

In 2010, the fugitive was shot at his Mount Barker home by two men dressed as Australia Post workers.

Police have warned people who have a history with Gjeka that he is on the loose.

Any members of the public that see him are urged not to approach him but to call Triple Zero or CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.