Police are calling for assistance to locate a man who escaped custody in Ipswich overnight.

Around 9pm, officers were transporting the man from a Roderick Street facility when he broke free.

At the time of his escape, he was handcuffed at the front and was not wearing any shoes.

He was last seen heading toward Ellenborough Street.

The man is described as Aboriginal in appearance, 180 centimetres tall with an athletic build and as having short black curly hair with a rat tail.

He is not considered dangerous but members of the public are urged not to approach the man and to contact police over any sightings.