One of Papua New Guinea's most notorious and violent criminals, William Kapris, has been shot and killed by PNG police.

National Capital District and Central Divisional Commander Jim Andrews has told reporters that the events follow a tip from the public, ending a nearly three-month manhunt.

Reports from Port Moresby General Hospital suggest Kapris and fellow escapee Raphael Walimini were both in a shoot-out with police outside the capital, and were taken to the hospital late this evening.

Kapris and Walimini escaped from the maximum security Bomana prison in May, using two pistols allegedly smuggled in by a guard.

Kapris is well known in PNG for his daring bank robberies and three prison escapes.

A reward of $US46,000 was offered for information that leads to his capture, but police said the public response was slow.

In June, Commander Andrews said he was aware his own officers are assisting the bank robber to hide in the capital.