Manhunt continues for NSW prison escapee

The manhunt continues for a prison escapee after a five-hour siege on the NSW north coast.

Marcus Buchanan, 33, fled the minimum security Glen Innes Correction Centre in October and remains on the run.

Police stormed a house at Lowery street in Toormina, near Coffs Harbour, around 7.30pm on Tuesday, following earlier reports an armed man, believed to be Buchanan, was inside.

"A full search of the property was conducted, however no people were found inside," NSW police said.

Tuesday's siege initially placed a nearby school into lockdown, with parents being notified and asked to pick up their children from an alternative route.

Buchanan, who was serving a one-year sentence for assault, would have been eligible for parole in six months but is expected to face up to two years extra in prison, NSW Corrective Services said in a statement.