By The Canadian Press

HAMILTON, Ont. - A prisoner escaped Tuesday morning after two masked, gun-toting men overpowered guards at Hamilton General Hospital.

Two guards took a prisoner to the hospital in the morning.

Police say they were assaulted and knocked down by two armed men as they were leaving with the prisoner. The guards were not hurt.

The armed men then freed the prisoner and fled east in a Corrections Ministry van, hitting an ambulance.

Police are scouring the city's north end for a man wearing an orange prison jumpsuit, and at least two other men armed with guns.

Police have found what they believe to be the van used in the escape.

The trio are now believed to be in a silver Hyundai Tiburon.