Police on Tuesday said they had arrested two people for allegedly helping a man to escape from detention at West Kowloon Court.

A 37-year-old suspect was supposed to have been remanded after appearing in court on Monday in connection with a drug case.

But the force said he was let go after he exchanged identification documents with a 24-year-old man who was about to be released on bail in an assault case.

Officers said they arrested the 24-year-old man on suspicion of misleading the police.

They are still searching for the 37-year-old man, but have detained his wife for allegedly providing him with financial assistance during his escape.

The two were being held for questioning on Tuesday night.