Detainee charged after stabbing detention centre official in the neck

Police launched a search to find the 28-year-old Tongan national after he allegedly attacked the guards, aged 36 and 54, while he was being transported from Villawood Detention Centre to Sydney Airport at 3.40am on May 15.

Investigators were called to Eschol Park Drive, Eschol Park at 9.40pm on May 16 following reports that the man had been sighted

The 28-year-old escapee and a 24-year-old woman were arrested.

The man has been charged with causing wounding or grievous bodily harm to a person with the intent to murder and wounding a person with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

He was refused bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court on May 17.

The woman has been charged with knowingly harbouring, maintaining or employing an escaped inmate.

She was granted conditional bail to appear at Campbelltown Local Court on May 22.

The detention centre officials were allegedly attacked on James Ruse Drive in the western Sydney suburb of Clyde.

The 54-year-old was stabbed in the neck and cheek with a "sharpened metal object", and the 36-year-old was assaulted, Superintendent Glasser said.

The victims, who were contracted by Villawood Detention Centre, were taken to Westmead Hospital for treatment, and police were told their injuries were not considered serious.

Investigators were searching for the alleged attacker with specialist police units, including the Dog Squad.

The man escaped around 21 kilometres west of Sydney's CBD, in the industrial and commercial suburb of Clyde, and was seen heading west towards Harris Park.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au Information is managed on a confidential basis.