Gisborne police are searching for a man in handcuffs, after he fled arrest this morning

Sonny Kennedy was handcuffed at the front of his body --and being walked by officers at a rural Whakarau road property -- south-east of Matawai around 9:30am.

Police say the 36-year-old then fled on foot towards the road -- and may be hiding in a nearby bush area.

They're asking the public for any information -- as they're concerned for his welfare due to his ill-preparedness for the conditions -- and his potential state of mind.

Kennedy was dressed in a dark-coloured hoodie, light-coloured trousers and sneakers.