Police have caught an escapee who ran from Serco guards in Perth's city centre.

The man was apprehended after a manhunt in the city's shopping precincts and Cultural Centre.



A police spokesman said it was not a Corrective Services matter and the person on the run was not a prisoner.



It is understood the detainee was being transported by Serco guards, escaped custody and ran west along Murray Street.

Comment is being sought from the Immigration Department.



It has been a difficult time for Serco following a string of embarrassing escapes.



There have been four break-outs from the Yongah Hill detention centre in the past five months.



Two men also recently escaped from a prison van in Geraldton and a third man escaped from a Joondalup hospital while under the guard of Serco officers.

Recent escapes from detention in WA